in consequence of such sweet words, I pressed for
marriage, you gave a voluntary promise, that you would live for
Me.

_Char._ You think me changed then?
[_Angrily._

_Lew._ I did not say so. A thousand times I have pressed for the
performance of this promise; but private cares, a brother's and a
sister's ruin, were reasons for delaying it.

_Char._ I had no other reasons--Where will this end?

_Lew._ It shall end presently.

_Char._ Go on, Sir.

_Lew._ A promise, such as this, given freely, not extorted, the
world thinks binding; but I think otherwise.

_Char._ And would release me from it?

_Lew._ You are too impatient, madam.

_Char._ Cool, Sir--quite cool--Pray go on.

_Lew._ Time, and a near acquaintance with my faults, may have
brought change: if it be so; or, for a moment, if you have wished
this promise were unmade, here I acquit you of it. This is my
question then; and with such plainness as I ask it, I shall entreat
an answer. Have you repented of this promise?

_Char._ Stay, Sir. The man that can _suspect_ me, shall _find_ me
changed. Why am I doubted?

_Lew._ My doubts are of myself. I have my faults, and You have
observation. If from my temper, my words or actions, you have
conceived a thought against me, or even a wish for separation, all
that has passed is nothing.

_Char._ You startle me--But tell me--I must be answered first. Is it
from honour you speak this? or do you wish me changed?

_Lew._ Heaven knows I do not. Life and my Charlotte are so
connected, that to lose one, were loss of both. Yet for a promise,
though given in love, and meant for binding; if time, or accident,
or reason should change opinion, with Me that promise has no force.

_Char._ Why, now I'll answer you. Your doubts are prophecies--I am
really changed.

_Lew._ Indeed!

_Char._ I could torment You now, as You have Me; but 'tis not in my
nature. That I am changed I own; for what at first was inclination,
is now grown reason in me; and from that reason, had I the
world--nay, were I poorer than the poorest, and You too wanting
bread; with but a hovel to invite me to--I would be yours, and happy.

_Lew._ My kindest Charlotte! (_Seizing her hand_) Thanks are too
poor for this, and words too weak! But if we love so, why should our
union be delayed?

_Char._ For happier times. The present are too wretched.

_Lew._ I may have reasons, that press it now.

_Char._ What reasons?

_Lew._ The strongest reaso