_Mr. D._ Good morning, Lewis; I did not expect to meet you, we are so seldom favoured with your visits. _Lewis._ I am afraid of interfering with more important concerns. _Mr. D._ I am indeed much concerned for you. _Lewis_ [with politeness]. You have always been so attentive to my interest, I am entirely convinced. _Mr. D._ You are not convinced. _Lewis._ Upon my honour. _Mr. D._ Why this forced politeness? I do not wish it. You cannot judge of my actions, or their motives; but I am still your friend. The common frailties of youth I can overlook; but dissimulation, it is true, I cannot bear. _Lewis._ You cannot surely accuse me of that. _Mr. D._ Give me proofs, and I will thank you. _Lewis._ How can I, being entirely misunderstood? _Mr. D._ Convince me of your sincere attachment to my house. _Lewis._ I protest---- _Mr. D._ No protestations! proofs! Besides shall enquire more deeply to-day, and would fain believe you if possible. _Lewis._ You may securely. _Mr. D._ Your way of life is not the best. It is time to think of entering on some more settled plan. _Lewis._ I am glad you mention it; it was for this very purpose I came here. I am determined to seek for a fixed employment. _Mr. D._ You give me pleasure; with your talents you cannot fail of success. _Lewis._ I flatter myself the more, as for a long while---- _Mr. D._ What! _Lewis._ I will unfold my heart. Be not severe, or you will drive me to despair. _Mr. D._ [kindly]. Well; speak. _Lewis_ [flatteringly]. I beg you to look upon my wishes, not as a guardian, but as a friend, as a father--I--I love--and your consent to a marriage will make me happy. _Mr. D._ Brook! [with warmth] you really love the girl, and sincerely? _Lewis._ Not to madness, but truly and honourably. _Mr. D._ Are you perfectly sincere? _Lewis._ Why should you doubt? _Mr. D._ Brook! I never was at a wedding, but the question arose, Will it be happy? To be unhappily married is dreadful. _Lewis._ I have considered maturely. _Mr. D._ The means of amending an inconsiderate step afterwards are shocking; still worse than the misfortune itself. _Lewis._ It is too true. But why this to me? You disquiet yourself without cause. Love, our best reformer, has inspired me with juster sentiments. _Mr. D._ Then God be praised! both will be happy. _Lewis._ It was for the sole purpose of asking your consent that I came hither. _Mr. D._ But why did not you speak sooner? _Lewis._ My doubts--the disorder of my affairs-- _Mr. D._ [smiling]. We will soon put them in order. _Lewis._ Then you give your consent? _Mr. D._ [earnestly]. Yes!--But you will alter your mode of living? _Lewis._ You shall be satisfied with my conduct. _Mr. D._ Yes, yes. I always said you had many excellent qualities, and would turn out well, if once they were awakened; thank God, they are! _Lewis._ Besides, this marriage gives me some hopes of an honourable place. _Mr. D._ Not exactly the marriage; but----