him,] to wave this; for I would not be
thought captious--if you have not suffered inconvenience, in being
obliged to come again, I shall be easy.

Capt. [Half disconcerted.] A little inconvenience, I can't say but I
have suffered. I have, indeed, too many affairs upon my hands; but the
desire I have to serve you and Mr. Lovelace, as well as to oblige my dear
friend, your uncle Harlowe, make great inconveniencies but small ones.

Cl. You are very obliging, Sir.--Here is a great alteration since you
parted with us last.

Capt. A great one indeed, Madam! I was very much surprised at it, on
Thursday evening, when Mr. Lovelace conducted me to your lodgings, where
we hoped to find you.

Cl. Have you any thing to say to me, Sir, from my uncle himself, that
requires my private ear!--Don't go, Ladies, [for the women stood up, and
offered to withdraw,]--if Mr. Lovelace stays, I am sure you may.

I frowned--I bit my lip--I looked at the women--and shook my head.

Capt. I have nothing to offer, but what Mr. Lovelace is a party to, and
may hear, except one private word or two, which may be postponed to the
last.

Cl. Pray, Ladies, keep your seats.--Things are altered, Sir, since I
saw you. You can mention nothing that relates to me now, to which that
gentleman can be a party.

Capt. You surprise me, Madam! I am sorry to hear this!--Sorry for your
uncle's sake!--Sorry for your sake!--Sorry for Mr. Lovelace's sake!--And
yet I am sure he must have given greater occasion than he has mentioned
to me, or--

Lovel. Indeed, Captain,--indeed, Ladies, I have told you great part of
my story!--And what I told you of my offence was the truth:--what I
concealed of my story was only what I apprehended would, if known, cause
this dear creature to be thought more censorious than charitable.

Cl. Well, well, Sir, say what you please. Make me as black as you
please--make yourself as white as you can--I am not now in your power:
that consideration will comfort me for all.

Capt. God forbid that I should offer to plead in behalf of a crime,
that a woman of virtue and honour cannot forgive! But surely, surely,
Madam, this is going too far.

Cl. Do not blame me, Captain Tomlinson. I have a good opinion of you,
as my uncle's friend; but if you are Mr. Lovelace's friend, that is
another thing; for my interest and Mr. Lovelace's must now be for ever
separated.

Capt. One word with you, Madam, if you please--offe