_Lewis._ Why not? has any body more interest than the Chancellor? _Mr. D._ No; but he may not interest himself much about your affairs for the future. _Lewis._ Now more than ever, most assuredly. _Mr. D._ Now? _Lewis._ As I marry his daughter. _Mr. D._ What do you say? _Lewis._ As I marry his daughter. _Mr. D._ Whom do you marry? _Lewis._ Miss Fleffel. _Mr. D._ No, never! _Lewis._ How? why not? _Mr. D._ No! by all that is sacred you shall not marry her! _Lewis._ Inconceivable! you gave your consent. _Mr. D._ I withdraw it. _Lewis._ [sneeringly] Very extraordinary! then why give it? _Mr. D._ [harshly]. I misunderstood you. _Lewis._ So! cunning enough! to put me first off my guard. _Mr. D._ Be so good as to leave me. _Lewis._ To give me confidence! _Mr. D._ Leave me, I say. _Lewis._ That you might more easily draw my secret from me! _Mr. D._ For God's sake leave me! _Lewis._ A fine trick for a man who glories in his sincerity! _Mr. D._ Sir, I warn you---- _Lewis._ Who boasts of his plain dealing; yet, in spite of his honesty, commits acts---- _Mr. D._ Young man, be silent! _Lewis._ Acts that any body would be ashamed of. Sir, you may know I have always seen through your mask. We have only two years more to be concerned with each other. You may release yourself before, if you please.--I thank you for all your cares. _Mr. D._ Ungrateful miscreant!--Oh, my child, my poor child! _Lewis._ So! you perhaps had other designs? _Mr. D._ Yes, yes, I had. My child--I would have confided her to you.--She loves you--Now go, relate your triumphs; defame her, and me also. _Lewis._ Indeed, Sir, I am grieved. _Mr. D._ Say that I made offers; that I proposed the match, and was refused.--Oh, my unhappy Augusta!--Go, leave my house--never let me see you more! _Lewis_ [hastily]. I assure you I have the highest esteem for Miss Augusta. _Mr. D._ My daughter is virtuous, and wants not the testimony of a----, not yours. _Lewis._ I protest. _Mr. D._ I hate your protestations. Never mention her again; promise me that solemnly. _Lewis._ I give---- _Mr. D._ It is to no purpose; speak no more--but if you, in any respect whatever, insult my daughter----you know me. [Wipes his forehead--pause] We have done--adieu, Sir! _Lewis_ [coldly]. And in respect to my marriage---- _Mr. D._ I will tell you in the afternoon. _Lewis._ Very well. [Exit Lewis. _Mr. D._ Is it come to this? Now I see my misfortune clearly [throws himself into a chair]. Is this my reward! What must be done now? Enter Mr. ROSE. _Mr. R._ Forgive me, dear Drave, if I interrupt---- _Mr. D._ Do not take it amiss, Rose; but indeed you have come at a wrong time---- _Mr. R._ 'Tis too true; I _have_ come at a wrong time; would to God there had been no necessity! yet hear me. _Mr. D._ I cannot; my heart is distracted-- _Mr. R._ For heaven's sake, hear an unfortunate man. _Mr. D._ If your misfortune is greater than mine, I will hear you.