_Lord G._ Hear me! I conjure you-- _Miss Als._ Not a word, if she knows her business. _Miss Alton._ My lord! I have heard too much. _Miss Als._ Brava. I could not have played it better myself. _Lord G._ Oh! Still more charming than severe. [_Kneels._ _Miss Als._ Humph! I hope he means me, though. _Lord G._ The character in which you see me here makes me appear more odious to myself, if possible, than I am to you. _Miss Als._ [_Behind._] By all that's treacherous I doubt it. _Miss Alton._ Desist, my lord----Miss Alscrip has a claim.---- _Miss Als._ Ay, now for it. _Lord G._ By Heaven, she is my aversion. It is my family, on whom I am dependent, that has betrayed me into these cursed addresses.--Accept my contrition--pity a wretch struggling with the complicated torments of passion, shame, penitence and despair. _Miss Als._ [_Comes forward--all stand confused._] I never saw a part better doubled in my life! _Lord G._ Confusion! What a light do I appear in to them both! How shall I redeem myself, even in my own opinion? _Miss Als._ [_Looking at LORD GAYVILLE._] Expressive dignity!--[_Looking at MISS ALTON._] Sweet simplicity! Amiable diffidence!----"She should execute my commands most awkwardly." _Lord G._ [_Aside._] There is but one way.--[_To MISS ALSCRIP._] Madam, your sudden entrance has effected a discovery which with shame I confess ought to have been made before--The lady, who stands there, is in possession of my heart. If it is a crime to adore her, I am the most guilty wretch on earth--Pardon me if you can; my sincerity is painful to me--But in this crisis it is the only atonement I can offer. [_Bows and exit._ _Miss Als._ [_After a Pause._] Admirable!--Perfect! The most finished declaration, I am convinced, that ever was made from beggarly nobility to the woman that was to make his fortune--the lady, who stands there--the lady--Madam--I am in patient expectation for the sincerity of your ladyship's atonement. _Miss Alton._ I am confounded at the strange occurrences that have happened; but be assured you see in me an innocent and most unwilling rival. _Miss Als._ Rival! better and better!--You--you give me uneasiness? You moppet--you coquet of the side table to catch the gawkey heir of the family, when he comes from school at Christmas--You--you you vile seducer of my good old honoured father; [_Cries--In a passion again._] What, is my lady dumb? Hussy? Have you the insolence to hold your tongue? _Miss Alton._ Madam, I just now offered to justify this scene; I thought it the part of duty to myself, and respect to you. But your behaviour has now left but one sentiment upon my mind. _Miss Als._ And what is that, madam? _Miss Alton._ [_With pointed expression._] Scorn. [_Exit._