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and then talking to herself.) To appear to Sir John Hazelwood as a female fortune-hunter, endeavouring to draw in a wealthy husband for her own convenience—O, it is not to be endured! To be degraded in the eyes of the very man whose good opinion I should most value—it is enough to make one distracted!

(Worshipton retires behind Sir John very foolishly, who remains fixed to the spot with surprise.)

HANNAH (within).

Do you love Sir John?

MISS MARTIN (within).

No, my dear, I am not weak enough to do that, when I know I shall never be beloved again. Could I have gained his good opinion, I should have been contented, without pretending to his heart.

SIR JOHN HAZELWOOD (vehemently).

But thou shalt have both, by this blessed hour!

MISS MARTIN (within).

But now, as my aunt carries on her attack, I don't know how to maintain my credit: I shall be compelled to be downrightly rude to him.

SIR JOHN HAZELWOOD.

Ay, very right, very right, my brave girl!—It is a glorious girl! I adore her for her spirit.