The Man of the World (1792) | Page 5

I must speak,--I do not think she is.
Eger. [_a start of friendly rapture._] I know you do not; and I am sure you never will advise the match.
Sid. I never did. I never will.
Eger. [_With a start of joy._] You make me happy,--which I assure you I never could be with your judgment against me in this point.
Sid. And yet, Charles, give me leave to observe, that Lady Rodolpha, with all her ridiculous and laughing vanity, has a goodness of heart, and a kind of vivacity that not only entertains,--but upon seeing her two or three times, she improves upon you; and when her torrent of spirits abates, and she condescends to converse gravely--you really like her.
Eger. Why ay! she is sprightly, good humoured, and, though whimsical, and often too high in her colouring of characters, and in the trifling business of the idle world,--yet I think she has principles, and a good heart,--[_with a glow of conjugal tenderness._] but in a partner for life, Sidney, (you know your own precept, and your own judgment)--affection, capricious in its nature, must have something even in the external manners,--nay in the very mode, not only of beauty, but of virtue itself-- which both heart and judgment must approve, or our happiness in that delicate point cannot be lasting.
Sid. I grant it.
Eger. And that mode,--that amiable essential I never can meet--but in Constantia. You sigh.
Sid. No. I only wish that Constantia had a fortune equal to yours. But pray, Charles, suppose I had been so indiscreet as to have agreed to marry you to Constantia--would she have consented, think you?
Eger. That I cannot say positively,--but I suppose so.
Sid. Did you never speak to her upon that subject then?
Eger. In general terms only;--never directly requested her consent in form,--[_he starts into a warmth of amorous resolution._] but I will this very moment--for I have no asylum from my father's arbitrary design, but my Constantia's arms.--Pray do not stir from hence:--I will return instantly. I know she will submit to your advice--and I am sure you will persuade her to my wish, as my life, my peace, my earthly happiness, depend on my Constantia. [_Exit._
Sid. Poor Charles! he little dreams that I love Constantia too,--but to what degree I knew not myself, till he importuned me to join their hands.--Yes--I love--but must not be a rival; for he is dear to me as fraternal affinity:--my benefactor--my friend--and that name is sacred:-- it is our better self; and ever ought to be preferred;--for the man who gratifies his passions at the expence of his friend's happiness, wants but a head to contrive--for he has a heart capable of the blackest vice.
Enter BETTY, running up to Sidney.
Bet. I beg pardon for my intrusion, sir. I hope, sir, I do not disturb your reverence!
Sid. Not in the least, Mrs. Betty.
Bet. I humbly beg you will excuse me, sir:--but I wanted to break my mind to your honour--about a scruple that lies upon my conscience:--and indeed I should not have presumed to trouble you, sir, but that I know you are my young master's friend,--and my old master's friend,--and indeed--a friend to the whole family: [_runs up to him and curtsies very low._] for to give you your due, sir, you are as good a preacher as ever went into a pulpit.
Sid. Ha, ha, ha! do you think so, Mrs. Betty?
Bet. Ay, in truth do I; and as good a gentleman too as ever came into a family, and one that never gives a servant a bad word, nor that does any one an ill turn neither behind their back, nor before their face.
Sid. Ha, ha, ha! why you are a mighty well spoken woman, Mrs. Betty, and I am mightily beholden to you for your good character of me.
Bet. Indeed, sir, it is no more than you deserve, and what all the world and all the servants say of you.
Sid. I am much obliged to them, Mrs. Betty.--But pray what are your commands with me?
Bet. Why, I'll tell you, sir:--to be sure I am but a servant, as a body may say--and every tub should stand upon its own bottom;--but--[_she takes hold of him familiarly, looks first about cautiously, and speaks in a low familiar tone of great secrecy._] my young master is now in the china room in close conference with Miss Constantia;--I know what they are about--but that is no business of mine--and therefore I made bold to listen a little--because you know, sir, one would be sure--before one took away any body's reputation.
Sid. Very true, Mrs. Betty,--very true indeed.
Bet. O! heavens forbid that I should take away any young woman's good name--unless I had a good reason for it; but, sir, [_with great solemnity._] if I am in this place alive, as I listened, with