FRANKTON. I thought it was within the compass of probability, madam. LOVEYET. Perhaps it was the lady you wanted to see so much, Frankton;--that _she_ might be here, was certainly within the compass of probability. FRANKTON. Had I then known what I have discovered since, I should have looked for you at some place not very distant from the lady, whose perfections you have been contemplating with so much admiration; for by Miss Harriet's account, you have seen her, perhaps, more than once. LOVEYET. I saw her yesterday, and was charmed with her beauty.--Whenever I am betrayed into one falsehood, I am obliged to support it with twenty more. [_Aside._ HARRIET. It is really so, sir;--he was enraptured with her idea just now.--I fear your friend is your rival, sir. LOVEYET. And I fear my friend is my rival, madam. HARRIET. Nay, what cause have you for _such_ a fear? LOVEYET. About as good as you have, my dear.--I am glad you came in when you did, Frankton; for you must know, we have had certain mutual doubts and jealousies; in consequence of which, a little ill-natured altercation, otherwise called love, ensued: a small foretaste of conjugal felicity; but the short-liv'd storm soon subsided, and a reconciliation made all calm again. FRANKTON. I have something to say to you in private, Loveyet. [_Aside to LOVEYET._]--I am sorry to deprive you of Mr. Loveyet's company, madam; but I trust you will excuse me, when I tell you I have particular business with him. HARRIET. By all means, sir. FRANKTON. Your most obedient, madam. LOVEYET. [_Goes up to HARRIET._]--Adieu;--expect me soon, and be assured of my unalterable fidelity. [_Exit with FRANKTON._ HARRIET. Farewell.--I wish he had look'd for you a little farther, before he had taken you away.--There are so many captivating objects in the city (as he has already seen and declared), and dissipation abounds so much among us, that who knows, if he is now sincere, how long he will remain so;--and how long after marriage:--"Ah, there's the rub."--Well, matrimony will put his constancy to the test, that's one comfort;--it is a hazardous expedient, but it is a certain one. SCENE III. _A Street._ _Enter FRANKTON and YOUNG LOVEYET._ LOVEYET. He denounces perpetual enmity against me; threatens me with beggary, and (what is worse) resolves to prevent my union with Harriet, and thus blast all my hopes; but I shall take care to disappoint his views;--I have just sent the most valuable part of my property to-- FRANKTON. Hah! There goes Miss Airy, I believe:--pray excuse me, Charles; perhaps she has observed me. You have eased my mind of its doubts, and your resolution has made your friend happy.--Adieu. [_Exit in haste._ LOVEYET [_manet_].