t hour, I
shall proceed in silence; endeavour, if possible, to be calm; and seek
my comfort in friendship and a good conscience. The sneers of the
superficial, the senseless judgments of a seduced multitude, shall not
rob me of a moment's tranquillity.

_Mrs. D._ Forgive me, Sir! I mistook your character.

_Augusta._ I feel the truth of your remarks. May domestic happiness
afford you the reward which you are refused by the world!

_Philip._ Do you wish me that, Augusta?

_Augusta._ Yes, my noble friend! I esteem you, and have still more
reason to wish it heartily.

_Philip_ [joyfully]. You have?--[pause]. My desires lie in a narrow
compass. My fortune allows me to assist others; I have a friend, with
whom I share my joys and my sorrows; and now, all is heightened by the
emotions of love.

_Mrs. D._ You love?

_Philip._ Yes.

_Augusta._ And happily?

_Philip._ I know not yet.--My love may increase, but can never
diminish--[he approaches Augusta]--Augusta, I love you.

_Augusta._ How?

_Mrs. D._ My daughter?

_Philip._ Make me happy: 'tis in your power.

_Augusta._ Oh! good heaven! 'tis too much!

_Philip_ [hastily, but tenderly taking her hand]. Speak! I am serious,
in high emotion--be gentle, Augusta.

_Augusta_ [leaning on her mother; without withdrawing her hand]. Oh!
mother!

_Mrs. D._ What shall I say?

_Augusta_ [forcibly]. I love--your brother!

_Philip_ [deeply moved]. In vain! he--[looking at Augusta] while
here--[lets go her hand] Be happy! [going.]

_Mrs. D._ Brook! for God's sake!

_Augusta._ My noble suffering friend, why on me----

_Philip._ Let me go!--

_Augusta._ Leave me not without hopes, that all the affection of a
brother, of a sister, may content you.

_Philip._ I can no more----

_Augusta._ Do not leave me, till you know how much I value----

_Philip._ Upon you I had placed my hopes. You would have endeared life
to me again.--The dream is fled.--Well--I will hide my sufferings in
retirement, and wait with patience for the hour which shall end all my
afflictions.

[Exeunt omnes.

END OF THE SECOND ACT.

_ACT III._

SCENE I.

At the Chancellor's.

The CHANCELLOR and a CLERK entering on
different sides.

_Chancellor._ I was looking for you. What ne