_Mr. D._ For a thousand reasons. I must beg you to comply with my wishes in this respect.--The company of a fool can never do any good, though his impertinences may do mischief.--I have now some engagements abroad, and cannot speak to Augusta, till after I return. Prepare her for it--tell her that her happiness is dearer to me than my life--she is still the child of my heart, and her choice shall be mine.--Adieu. [Exeunt on different sides.] END OF THE FIRST ACT. _ACT II._ SCENE I. AUGUSTA laying down a book, and wiping her eyes. Mrs. DRAVE entering. _Mrs. D._ At your books, and in tears again, Augusta? _Augusta._ No, dear mother. _Mrs. D._ Your eyes betray you. You must not be so melancholy. One impediment is remov'd--I have acquainted your father with your attachment. _Augusta._ Good God! what have you done! _Mrs. D._ What we ought to have done long long ago; he loves you so tenderly. _Augusta._ But why should I not try to overcome this unhappy passion, knowing---- _Mrs. D._ Overcome? Can you do that? I know your heart too well. But be cheerful now--dream not of impediments that will never arise. Your father consents to whatever can tend to make you happy. _Augusta._ What! my dear father will permit---- _Mrs. D._ He will proceed without precipitation; which is what I would advise you to do. If Lewis loves you sincerely, you may trust your father's heart. _Augusta._ If? Oh, my dear mother, my doubts about _him_, occasion me continual uneasiness.--Could he deceive my affection----he seems of no fixed character. _Mrs. D._ It must be owned he is unsteady. _Augusta._ His way of life, indeed, displays such a character; but his heart is good. _Mrs. D._ I believe it. _Augusta._ He does a great deal of good in private. _Mrs. D._ I know he does. _Augusta._ And always with such a good will, without any ostentation. _Mrs. D._ That is true. _Augusta._ A _man_ cannot be so tender as we are; but he certainly has feeling.----I am sorry he is not upon good terms with his brother. _Mrs. D._ There I absolve him. Who can bear his churlish temper? _Augusta._ And yet how deeply he was concerned about his brother's last illness! how attentive to make him comfortable! He cannot be bad. _Mrs. D._ Very possibly; but think, my Augusta, if he were---- _Augusta._ If he were not good towards me, then--I am very unhappy! I love him so much, even to his faults, for they arise from unsuspicious goodness of heart. Enter COUNSELLOR FLEFFEL. _Counsellor._ Good day to you, fair ladies; your most obedient servant. _Mrs. D._ You honour us with your company sooner than we expected. _Counsellor._ I was impatient, absolutely beside myself, upon my honour, till fashion allowed me to fly hither; I am always so happy in your charming company! PHILIP BROOK entering.