_Falk._ Nothing then remains for me but to return to that obscurity from whence I have emerged--had I found you barely leaning to the side of virtue, I had arguments to urge that might have fixed a wavering purpose; but I find you resolute, hardened and determined in guilt, and I leave you to your fate. _Sir R._ Stay, Falkner, there is a meaning in your words. _Falk._ A dreadful precipice lies before you: be wary how you tread! there is a being injured by your----by lord Austencourt, see that he makes her reparation by an immediate marriage--look first to that. _Sir R._ To such a degradation could _I_ forget my noble ancestry, _he_ never will consent. _Falk._ Look next to yourself: he is not a half villain, and it is not the ties of consanguinity will save you from a jail. Beware how you proceed with Charles--you see I am acquainted with more than you suspected; look to it, sir; for the day is not yet passed that by restoring you to virtue, may restore to you a friend; or should you persevere in guilty silence, that may draw down unexpected vengeance on your head-- [_Exit._ _Sir R._ Mysterious man! a moment stay! I cannot live in this dreadful uncertainty! whatever is my fate, it shall be decided quickly. [_Exit._ SCENE III.--_An apartment at sir Willoughby's; a door in the flat. Enter_ Helen _and_ Charles. _Helen._ I tell you, it is unless to follow me, sir. The proud spirit you evinced this morning, might have saved you methinks from this meanness of solicitation. _Charles._ Surely now a frank acknowledgment of error deserves a milder epithet than meanness. _Helen._ As you seem equally disposed, sir, to quarrel with my words, as you are to question my conduct, I fear you will have little cause to congratulate yourself on this _forced_ and _tiresome_ interview. _Charles._ _Forced_ interview! Did ever woman so consider the anxiety of a lover to seek explanation and forgiveness! Helen, Helen, you torture me; is this generous?--is it like yourself? surely if you lov'd me-- _Helen._ Charles--I do love you--that, is, I _did_ love you, but--I don't love you, but (_aside_) ah! now I'm going to make bad worse. _Charles._ But _what_, Helen? _Helen._ The violence of temper you have discovered this morning, has shown me the dark side of your character; it has given a pause to affection, and afforded me time to reflect--now though I do really and truly believe that--you--love me Charles. _Sir W._ (_behind_) I must see my daughter directly--where is she! _Enter_ Tiffany _running._ _Tiffany._ Ma'am, ma'am, your father's coming up stairs, with a letter in his hand, muttering something about Mr. Charles; as sure as life you'll be discovered. _Helen._ For heav'n's sake hide yourself; I would not have him find you here for worlds--here, step into the music-room. _Charles._ Promise me first your forgiveness. _Helen._ Charles, retire, I entreat you--make haste, he is here. _Charles._ On my knees-- _Helen._ Then kneel in the next room.