AUSTIN. The right, my dear sir, is beyond question; but it is one, as you were going on to observe, on which no gentleman insists. FENWICK. Anthony, my good fellow, I think we had better go. ANTHONY. I have asked a question. AUSTIN. Which I was charmed to answer, but which, on repetition, might begin to grow distasteful. ANTHONY. In my own house---- FENWICK. For God's sake, Anthony! AUSTIN. In your aunt's house, young gentleman, I shall be careful to refrain from criticism. I am come upon a visit to a lady: that visit I shall pay; when you desire (if it be possible that you desire it) to resume this singular conversation, select some fitter place. Mr. Fenwick, this afternoon, may I present you to his Royal Highness? ANTHONY. Why, sir, I believe you must have misconceived me. I have no wish to offend: at least at present. AUSTIN. Enough, sir. I was persuaded I had heard amiss. I trust we shall be friends. FENWICK. Come, Anthony, come: here is your sister. (_As FENWICK and ANTHONY go out, C., enter DOROTHY, L._) SCENE VII AUSTIN, DOROTHY DOROTHY. I am told, Mr. Austin, that you wish to see me. AUSTIN. Madam, can you doubt of that desire? can you question my sincerity? DOROTHY. Sir, between you and me these compliments are worse than idle: they are unkind. Sure, we are alone! AUSTIN. I find you in an hour of cruelty, I fear. Yet you have condescended to receive this poor offender; and, having done so much, you will not refuse to give him audience. DOROTHY. You shall have no cause, sir, to complain of me. I listen. AUSTIN. My fair friend, I have sent myself--a poor ambassador--to plead for your forgiveness. I have been too long absent; too long, I would fain hope, madam, for you; too long for my honour and my love. I am no longer, madam, in my first youth; but I may say that I am not unknown. My fortune, originally small, has not suffered from my husbandry. I have excellent health, an excellent temper, and the purest ardour of affection for your person. I found not on my merits, but on your indulgence. Miss Musgrave, will you honour me with your hand in marriage? DOROTHY. Mr. Austin, if I thought basely of marriage, I should perhaps accept your offer. There was a time, indeed, when it would have made me proudest among women. I was the more deceived, and have to thank you for a salutary lesson. You chose to count me as a cipher in your rolls of conquest; for six months you left me to my fate; and you come here to-day--prompted, I doubt not, by an honourable impulse--to offer this tardy reparation. No; it is too late. AUSTIN. Do you refuse? DOROTHY. Yours is the blame; we are no longer equal. You have robbed me of the right to marry any one but you; and do you think me, then, so poor in spirit as to accept a husband on compulsion? AUSTIN. Dorothy, you loved me once.