begin with: what have you got about you? Ay, the diamonds; leave that matter to my mus search; I can bestow it to advantage, there's no time to be lost.

Bel. Hang it, confound it, a plague upon't, say I; I hav'n't a guinea left in my pocket: I parted from my whole stock here this morning, and have forgot to supply myself since.

Mrs. F. Mighty well! let it pass, then; there's an end: think no more of the lady, that's all. Bel. Distraction! think no more of her? let me only step home and provide myself; I'll be back with you in an instant.

Mrs. F. Pooh, pooh! that's a wretched shift; have you nothing of value about you? Money's a coarse, slovenly vehicle, fit only to bribe electors in a borough; there are more graceful ways of purchasing a lady's favours-rings, trinkets, jewels, Bel. Jewels; gadso! I protest, I had forgot: I have a case of jewels; but they won't do, I must not part from them: no, no, they are appropriated; they are none of my own.

Mrs. F. Let me see, let me see! Ay, now, this were something like! pretty creatures, how they sparkle! these would ensure success.

Bel. Hell and vexation! Get out of the moon, r
I shall run distracted. [Erit Mrs. F.] Of a certi
Belcour, thou art born to be the fool of!
Sure no man sins with so much repentance, an
pents with so little amendment as I do. It
give away another person's property, honour f
me; and I positively cannot give up the girl:
passion, constitution, everything protests agus
that. How shall I decide? I cannot bring me
to break a trust, and I am not at present in the
mour to baulk my inclinations. Is there no middle
way? Let me consider-There is, there s: my
good genius has presented me with one; up, obvi
ous, honourable: the girl shall not go without her
baubles; I'll not go without the girl. Mis
port shan't lose her diamonds; I'll save Dudley tr
destruction, and every party shall be a gainery
the project.

Re-enter Mrs. FULMER, introducing Miss DUDLEY
Mrs. F. Miss Dudley, this is the worthy gentle
man you wish to see; this is Mr. Belcour.
Lou. As I live, the very man that beset me in the
[Ande
streets!
Bel. An angel, by this light! Oh, I am gone,
past all retrieving!

Lou. Mrs. Fulmer, sir, informs me, you are the gentleman from whom my father has received such civilities.

Bel. Her father! [Aride.] Oh, never name them. Lou. Pardon me, Mr. Belcour, they must be both named and remembered; and if my father were here

Bel. Her father again! [Aside.] I am much bet ter pleased with his representative.

Lou. That title is. my brother's, sir; I have no claim to it.

Lou. But, as neither he nor my father were fortanate enough to be at home, I could not resist the opportunity

Bel. Nor I, neither, upon my soul, madam: let us improve it, therefore. I am in love with you to distraction, I was charmed at the first glance; I at tempted to accost you; you fled; I followed, but was defeated of an interview: at length I have ob tained one, and seize the opportunity of casting my person and my fortune at your feet.

Lou. You astonish me! Are you in your sense or do you make a jest of my misfortunes? Do you ground pretences on your generosity, or do you make a practice of this folly with every woman you

Bel. Upon my life, no; as you are the handsomest woman I ever met, so you are the first to whom I ever made the like professions: as for my gener sity, madam, I must refer you on that score to this good lady, who, I believe, has something to offer is my behalf.

Lou. Don't build upon that, sir: I must have better proofs of your generosity, than the mere vestment of a little superfluous dross, before I ca credit the sincerity of professions so abruptly del Erit, utily

Bel. Oh, ye gods and goddesses! how her anger animates her beauty! [Going out renounce your interest for ever: why, you'l Mrs. F. Stay, sir; if you stir a step after her, I everything.

she understands her own value though: a little perfluous dross, truly! She must have better ofs of my generosity!

Mrs. F. Tis exactly as I told you: your money ⚫ calls dross; she's too proud to stain her fingers th your coin; bait your hook well with jewels; that experiment, and she's your own.

Bel. Take them; let them go; lay them at her
t; I must get out of the scrape as I can; my
opensity is irresistible: there; you have them;
y are your's: they are her's; but remember, they
a trust: 1 commit them to her keeping, till I
a buy them off, with something she shall think
re valuable.-Now tell me when I shall meet her.
Mrs. F. How can I tell that! Don't you see what
alarm you have put her into? Oh! you're a rare
e; but go your ways for this while leave her to
management, and come to me at seven this
ening; but remember not to bring empty pockets
th you, ha, ha, ha!
[Exeunt.

SCENE III-Lady Rusport's House.
Enter Miss RUSPORT, followed by a Servant.
Miss R. Desire Mr. Stockwell to walk in.
[Exit Servant.

no apology: we have no right to be over strict in canvassing the morals of a common acquaintance. Stock. I wish it may be my happiness to see Mr. Belcour in the list, not of your common, but particular acquaintance, of your friends, Miss Rusport. I dare not be more explicit.

Miss R. Nor need you, Mr. Stockwell: I shall be studious to deserve his friendship; and though I have long since unalterably placed my affection on another, I trust, I have not left myself insensible to the merits of Mr. Belcour; and hope that neither you nor he will, for that reason, think me less worthy your good opinion and regards.

Stock. Miss Rusport, I sincerely wish you happy: I have no doubt you have placed your affections on a deserving man; and I have no right to combat your choice. | Exit.

Miss R. How honourable is that behaviour! Now, if Charles were here, I should be happy. The old lady is so fond of her new Irish acquaintance, that I have the whole house at my disposal. [Exit.

Enter BELCOUR, preceded by a Servant.

Serv. I ask your honour's pardon; I thought my young lady was here. Who shall I inform her would speak to her?

Bel. Belcour is my name, sir; and pray, beg Enter STOCKWELL. your lady to put herself in no hurry on my account; Stock. Madam, your most obedient servant: I am for I'd sooner see the devil than see her face. [Aside. noured with your commands, by Captain Dudley; -Exit Servant.] In the name of all that's mischievd have brought the money with me, as you di-ous, why did Stockwell drive me hither in such ted. I understand the sum you have occasion is two hundred pounds.

Miss R. It is, sir: I am quite confounded at your ing this trouble upon yourself, Mr. Stockwell. Stock. There is a bank note, madam, to the ount: your jewels are in safe hands, and will be ivered to you directly. If I had been happy in ng better known to you, I should have hoped you uld not have thought it necessary to place a deit in my hands for so trifling a sum as you have required me to supply you with.

Miss R. The baubles I sent you may very well be
red; and, as they are the only security, in my
sent situation, I can give you, I could wish you
ald retain them in your hands: when I am of
-, (which, if I live a few months, I shall be) I
I
replace your favour, with thanks.

Stock. It is obvious, Miss Rusport, that your
Arms will suffer no impeachment by the absence
hose superficial ornaments; but they should be
n in the suite of a woman of fashion, not as cre-
ors to whom you are indebted for your appear-
e, but as subservient attendants, which help to
ke up your equipage.
Miss R. Mr. Stockwell is determined not to wrong
confidence I reposed in his politeness.
Stock. I have only to request, madam, that you
I allow Mr. Belcour, a young gentleman, in whose
piness I particularly interest myself, to have the
our of delivering you the box of jewels.
Miss R. Most gladly; any friend of your's can-
fail of being welcome here.

Stock. I flatter myself you will not find him totally
deserving your good opinion: an education, not
he strictest kind, and strong animal spirits, are
sometimes to betray him into youthful irregu-
ties; but a high principle of honour, and an un-
mon benevolence, in the eye of candour, will, I
e, atone for any faults, by which these good qua-
-s are not impaired.

haste? A pretty figure, truly, I shall make! an ambassador, without credentials! Blockhead that I was, to charge myself with her diamonds! officious, meddling puppy! Now they are irretrievably gone: that suspicious jade, Fulmer, wouldn't part even with a sight of them, though I would have ransomed them at twice their value. Now must I trust to my poor wits, to bring me off; a lamentable dependence. Fortune, be my helper! here comes the girl. If she is noble-minded, as she is said to be, she will forgive me; if not, 'tis a lost cause; for I have not thought of one word in my excuse.

Enter Miss RUSPORT.

Miss R. Mr. Belcour, I'm proud to see you: your friend, Mr. Stockwell, prepared me to expect this honour; and I am happy in the opportunity of being known to you.

Bel. A fine girl, by my soul! Now what a cursed hang-dog do I look like. [Aside. Miss R. You are newly arrived in this country, sir?

Bel. Just landed, madam; just set ashore, with a large cargo of Muscavado sugars, rum-puncheons, mahogany slabs, wet sweetmeats, and green paroquets.

Miss R. May I ask you how you like London, sir? Bel. To admiration; I think the town and the town's folk are exactly suited; 'tis a great, rich, overgrown, noisy, tumultuous place; the whole morning is a bustle to get money, and the whole afternoon is a hurry to spend it.

Miss R. Are these all the observations you have made?

Bel. No, madam; I have observed the women are very captivating, and the men very soon caught. Miss R. Ay, indeed! Whence do you draw that conclusion?

Bel. From infallible guides; the first remark I collect from what I now see, the second from what

fis R. I dare say Mr. Belcour's behaviour wants | I now feel.

1

742

Min R. Oh, the deuce take you! But to waive
this subject, I believe, sir, this was a visit of busi-
mese, not compliment; was it not?

Del Ay; now comes on my execution. [Aside.
Mu R. You have some foolish trinkets of mine,
Mr. Belcour; haven't you?

Bel. No, in truth; they are gone in search of a
trinket still more foolish than themselves. [Aside.
Min R. Some diamonds I mean, sir; Mr. Stock-
well informed me you was charged with them.
Bel. Oh, yes, madam; but I have the most treach-
erous memory in life-Here they are! Pray put
them up; they're all right; you need not examine
[Gives a bar.
Miss R. Hev-day! right, sir! Why these are not
my diamonds; these are quite different; and, as it
should seem, of much greater value.

them

Bel. Upon my life I'm glad on't; for then I hope you value them more than your own.

Min R. As a purchaser I should, but not as an owner; you mistake-these belong to somebody else.

your permission? [He retires.] Good beame mu
do I read! Mr. Belcour, you are concernen a ta
[Reads.] "Dear Charlotte,-In the made of ra
tress, Providence has cast a benefacter in an e
after the most unexpected manner: a p
Indian, rich, and with a warmth of heat:
his climate, has rescued my father from
satisfied his wants, and enabled him to
exchange; when I relate to you the manne
this was done, you will be charmed. Ica
add, that it was by chance we found out that t
is Belcour, and that he is a friend of Mr
I lose not a moment's time, in making
with this fortunate event, for reasons Buick S
obliges me to suppres; but, perhaps, if yn ia
received the money on your jewels, you mis
it necessary now to do it-I have the home.
dear Madam, most faithfully your's,—Charus
ley."-Is this your doing, sir? Never was
sity so worthily exerted.

Bel. Or so greatly overpaid.

Miss R. After what you have now done for

Bel. 'Tis your's, I'm afraid, that belong to some-noble but indigent family, let me not scruple t body else. [Aside. Min R. What is it you mean? I must insist upon your taking them back again.

Bel. Pray, madam, don't do that; I shall infallibly lose them; I have the worst luck with diamonds of any man living.

Miss R. That you might well say, were you to give me these in the place of mine; but pray, sir, what is the reason of all this? Why have you changed the jewels? And where have you disposed of mine?

Bel. Miss Rusport, I cannot invent a lie for my life; and if it was to save it, I couldn't tell one: I am an idle, dissipated, unthinking fellow, not worth your notice; in short, I am a West Indian; and you must try me according to the charter of my colony, not by a jury of English spinsters: the truth is, I have given away your jewels; caught with a pair of sparkling eyes, whose lustre blinded their's, I served your property as I should my own, and lavished it away; let me not totally despair of your forgiveness; I frequently do wrong, but never with impunity; if your displeasure is added to my own, my punishment will be too severe. When I parted from the jewels, I had not the honour of knowing their owner.

Miss R. Mr. Belcour, your sincerity charms me; I enter at once into your character, and I make all the allowances for it you can desire. I take your jewels for the present, because I know there is no other way of reconciling you to yourself; but, if I give way to your spirit in one point, you must yield to mine in another; remember, I will not keep more than the value of my own jewels; there is no need to be pillaged by more than one woman at a time, sir.

Bel. Now, may every blessing that can crown
your virtues, and reward your beauty, be shower'd
upon you; may you meet admiration without envy,
love without jealousy, and old age without malady;
may the man of your heart be ever constant, and
you never meet a less penitent, or less grateful of-
fender, than myself!

Enter Servant, who delivers a letter.
Miss R. Does your letter require such haste?
Serv. I was bade to give it into your own hands,

madam.

Misa R. From Charles Dudley, I see: have I

fold the whole situation of my heart to you. K then, sir, and don't think the worse of me for la frankness of my declaration, that such is my a ment to the son of that worthy officer, whoz y relieved, that the moment I am of age, and in p session of my fortune, I should hold myself the bap piest of women to share it with young Dudley.

Bel. Say you so, madam? then let me perish if don't love and reverence you above all wowan-kin and, if such is your generous resolution, never »u. till you are of age; life is too short, pleasers fugitive; the soul grows narrower every bour. 1. equip you for your escape; I'll convey you to t man of your heart, and away with you then to first hospitable person that will take you in.

Miss R. O! blessed be the torrid zone for ever. whose rapid vegetation quickens nature into such benignity! But had I spirit to accept your offer, I which is not improbable, wouldn't it be a mortifying thing, for a fond girl to find herself mistaken, and sent back to her home, like a vagrant? and such, for what I know, might be my case.

Bel. Then he ought to be proscribed the soc of mankind for ever: ay, ay; 'tis the sham sin that makes him thus indifferent. Twill be a m torious office to take that girl out of the way.

Enter a Servant.

Serv. Miss Dudley, to wait on you, madam

Bel. Who?

Serv. Miss Dudley.

Miss R. What's the matter, Mr. Beer? Am you frightened at the name of a pretty girl? the sister of him we were speaking of: pra (Bait Servar

her.

Bel. The sister? So, so; he has imposed are too; this is an extraordinary visit, truly. (p soul, the assurance of some folks is met to counted for. [Aside, bors, and m Miss R. I insist upon your not running aw you'll be charmed with Louisa Dudley, Bel. O yes, I am charmed with her. Miss R. You have seen her, then, haw you Be. Yes, yes, I've seen her. Miss R. Well, isn't she a delightful girl Be. Very delightful.

Miss R. Why, you answer as if you *** court of justice. O' my conscience I be

THE WEST INDIAN.

e caught; I've a notion she has tricked you out your heart.

Bel. I believe she has, and you out of your
vels; for, to tell you the truth, she's the very
rson I gave them to.

Miss R. You gave her my jewels! Louisa Dud-
my jewels! admirable! inimitable! Oh, the
little jade! but, hush! here she comes; I don't
ow how I shall keep my countenance.
Enter LOUISA.

y dear, I'm rejoiced to see you; how do you do?
beg leave to introduce Mr. Belcour, a very worthy
end of mine. I believe, Louisa, you have seen
n before.

Lou. I have met the gentleman.
Miss R. You have met the gentleman:-well,
, and you have met the lady; in short, you have
t each other; why, then, don't you speak to each
her? How you both stand; tongue-tied and fixed
statues-Ha, ha, ha! why, you'll fall asleep by-
d-by.

Lou. Fie upon you, fie upon you; is this fair?
Bel. Upon my soul, I never looked so like a fool
my life; the assurance of that girl puts me quite

wn.

[Aside.

Miss R. Sir-Mr. Belcour; was it your pleasure

Enter CHARLES.

I insist upon referring our dispute to him: your sister and I, Charles, have a quarrel. Belcour, the hero of your letter, has just left us: somehow or other, Louisa's bright eyes have caught him; and the poor fellow's fallen desperately in love with her, (don't interrupt me, hussy.) Well, that's excusthat this hair-brain'd spark, who does nothing like able enough, you'll say; but the jest of the story is, other people, has given her the very identical jewels which you pledged for me to Mr. Stockwell; and believe that this little demure slut made up tears, because I rallied her about it. a face, and squeezed out three or four hypocritical

will you

advance anything? Not a syllable. Come, Lou-without reserve, has Mr. Belcour given you any diaCharles. I'm all astonishment! Louisa, tell me, ,woman's wit, they say, is never at a loss; nor

u neither?-Speechless both; why, you were monds?

rry enough before this lady came in.

Lou. I am sorry I have been any interruption to ur happiness, sir.

Bel. Madam !

Miss R. Madam! Is that all you can say? But must show you what a present this dumb gentlene, my dear girl, I won't teaze you-apropos! n has made me: Are not these handsome diaLou. Yes, indeed, they seem very fine; but I am judge of these things.

onds?

Lou. None, upon my honour.

Charles. Has he made any professions to you? Lou. He has; but altogether in a style so whimsical and capricions, that the best which can be said of them, is to tell you, that they seemed more the result of good spirits than good manners.

love with her, and she has no very great dislike to him; trust to my observations, Charles, for that: as Miss R. Ay, ay, now the murder's out; he's in to the diamonds, there's some mistake about them, and you must clear it up; three minutes' conversation with him will put everything in a right train:

Miss R. Oh, you wicked little hypocrite; you are judge of these things, Louisa; you have no dia-go, go, Charles, 'tis a brother's business; about it nds, not you. instantly; ten to one you'll find him over the way, at Mr. Stockwell's.

Lou. You know I haven't, Miss Rusport; you
ow those things are infinitely above my reach.
Miss R. Ha, ha, ha!

Bel. She does tell a lie with an admirable coun-
ance, that's true enough.
Lou. What ails you, Charlotte? what imperti-
[Aside.
ce have I been guilty of, that you should find it
essary to humble me at such a rate? If you are
opy, long may you be so; but, surely, it can be no
ition to it to make me miserable.

Miss R. So serious; there must be some mystery
this; Mr. Belcour, will you leave us together?

see I treat you with all the familiarity of an old quaintance already.

Bel. Oh, by all means; pray command me. Miss port, I am your most obedient. By your condension in accepting these poor trifles, I am under rnal obligations to you. To you, Miss Dudley, I ll not offer a word on that subject; you despise ry; you have a soul above it; I adore your rit; I was rather unprepared for meeting you e, but I shall hope for an opportunity of making self better known to you. Miss R. Louisa Dudley, you surprise me; I never [Erit. you act thus before; can't you bear a little inent raillery before the man of your heart? Lou. The man of my heart, madam! Be assured ever was so visionary as to aspire to any man om Miss Rusport honours with her choice.

Charles. I confess I'm impatient to have the case cleared up: I'll take your advice, and find him out; good bye to you.

Miss R. Your servant; my life upon it, you'll find Belcour a man of honour. Come, Louisa, let us adjourn to my dressing-room; I've a little private business to transact with you, before the old lady comes up to tea, and interrupts us. [Exeunt.

ACT IV.

SCENE I-A Room in Fulmer's House.

Enter FULMER and Mrs. FUlmer. Ful. Patty, wasn't Mr. Belcour with you? chamber, in high expectation of an interview with Mrs. F. He was; and is now shut up in my Miss Dudley; she's at present with her brother, and 'twas with some difficulty I persuaded my hotheaded spark to wait till he has left her.

Ful. Well, child, and what then?

Mrs. F. Why, then, Mr. Fulmer, I think it will
gone.
be time for you and me to steal a march, and be

Ful. So this is all the fruit of your ingenious pro-
ject; a shameful overthrow, or a sudden flight.

744

Mrs. F. Why, my project was a mere impromptu, and can, at worst, but quicken our departure a few days; you know we had fairly outlived our credit here, and a trip to Boulogne is no ways unseasonable. Nay, never droop, man; hark, hark! here's enough to bear charges. [Showing a purse. Ful. Let me see, let me see; this weighs well, this is of the right sort: why, your West Indian bled freely.

Mrs. F. But that's not all; look here. Here are the sparklers. [Showing the jewels.] Now what d'ye think of my performances? Eh! a foolish scheme, isn't it a silly woman?

Ful. Thou art a Judith, a Joan of Arc, and I'll march under thy banners, girl, to the world's end. Come, let's be gone: I've little to regret; my creditors may share the old books among them; they'll have occasion for philosophy to support their loss, they'll find enough upon my shelves; the world is my library, I read mankind. Now, Patty, lead the

[Exeunt.

Enter CHARLES DUDLEY and Louisa. Charles. Well, Louisa, I confess the force of what you say; I accept Miss Rusport's bounty, and when you see my generous Charlotte, tell her-but have a care, there is a selfishness even in gratitude, when it is too profuse; to be over-thankful for any one favour, is, in effect, to lay out for another; the best return I could make my benefactress would be, never to see her more.

Lou. I understand you.

Bel. Who that beholds such beauty on! Ps voking girl, is it within the stretch of my im content you? What is it you can finir ass, a I am not ready to grant ?

Lou. Yes, with the same facility, they upon me Miss Rusport's diamonds Fram shame! was that a manly story?

Bel. So, so! these devilish diamond m everywhere. Let me perish, if I eat we harm. Oh! I could tear my tongue out fra. a word about the matter.

Lou. Go to her then, and contraddi; al a is done, my reputation is at stake.

Bel. Her reputation! Now she has gon she'll go on for ever. [Aside.] What is: not do for your sake? I will go to Miss

Lou. Do so; restore her own jewels to he I suppose you kept back for the purpose c ing others to her of a greater value; bu future, Mr. Belcour, when you would de a :action to that lady, don't let it be at my s Bel. I see where she points : she is willing to give up Miss Rusport's diamonds, now es = she shall be a gainer by the exchange. k 'tis what I wished. Well, madam, I will mat Miss Rusport her own jewels, and you stalothers of tenfold their value.

Leu. No, sir, you err most widely; it is my: opinion, not my vanity, which you must bribe. Bel. Why what the devil would she have ne Ande.] Miss Dudley, it is my wish to obey please you; but I have some apprehension th mistake each other.

Lou. I think we do.-Tell me, then, in a words, what is it you aim at.

Bel. In a few words, then, and in plain buas I must tell you, so entirely am I captivated w you, that had you but been such as it would become me to have called my wife, I had been base in knowing you by that name; as it is, you i welcome to partake my fortune, give me in r your person, give me pleasure, give me love; disencumbered, anti-matrimonial love.

Charles. We that are poor, Louisa, should be cautious: for this reason, I would guard you against Belcour; at least, till I can unravel the mystery of Miss Rusport's diamonds; I was disappointed of finding him at Mr. Stockwell's, and am now going in search of him again. He may intend honourably; but, I confess to you, I am staggered; think no more of him, therefore, for the present. Of this be sure, while I have life and you have honour, I will [Erit. protect you, or perish in your defence. Lou. Think of him no more! Well, I'll obey; but if a wandering, uninvited thought should creep by chance into my bosom, must I not give the harm-lizing girl. Upon my knees, I swear you less wretch a shelter? Fie, fie upon it. Belcour stir till you have consented to my bliss Lou. Unhand me, sir; 0, Charles, p pursues, insults me; yet, such is the fatality of my condition, that what should rouse resentment, only rescue me, redress me. calls up love.

Enter BELCOUR.

Bel. Alone, by all that's happy!
Lou. Ah!

Bel. Oh! shriek not, start not, stir not, loveliest creature; but let me kneel and gaze upon your beauties.

Lou. Sir! Mr. Belcour, rise! What is it you do? Should he that parted from me but this minute, now return, I tremble for the consequence.

Bel. Fear nothing; let him come: I love you, madam; he'll find it hard to make me unsay that. Lou. You terrify me; your impetuous temper frightens me; you know my situation, it is not generous to pursue me thus.

Bel. True, I do know your situation, your real one, Miss Dudley, and am resolved to snatch you from it; 'twill be a meritorious act. Come, thou art a dear enchanting girl, and I'm determined not to live a minute longer without thee.

Lou. Hold! are you mad? I see you are a bold assuming man; and know not where to stop

Lou. Stand off, and never let me see you m
Bel. Hold, hold, thou dear, tormentir

Enter CHARLES DUDLEY.
Charles. How's this? Rise, vl, and
yourself.
Bel. Villain!

Charles. The man who wrongs that lady » lain.-Draw!

Bel. Never fear me, young gentleman, me for a coward if I baulk you.

Charles. Yet hold! let me not be
your name, I think, is Belcour.
Bel. Well, sir.

Charles. How is it, Mr. Belcour, y
this mean, unmanly wrong; beneath
generosity, to give this fatal stab t
peace? You might have had my thinks my
ing: take my defiance now. Tere
to you! the brother, the protector, of the
lady.

Bel. The brother! give yourself a
Charles. What is't you mean?
Bel. Come, come, I know both her and
found you, sir, (but how or why I know as 3