oronets at
your feet,--then, Clementina----

_Clem._ Ungenerous and unkind!--Edward, I almost hate you. Is a little
money, then, to sway my affections? Shame, Edward, shame on you! Is such
your opinion of my constancy? (_Weeps._) You must judge me by your own
heart.

_Edw._ Clementina! dearest Clementina!--I did!--but rather--that is,--I
was not in earnest;--but when we value any object as I value you,--it
may be forgiven, if I feel at times a little jealous;--yes, dearest,
jealous!

_Clem._ 'Twas jealousy then, Edward, which made you so unkind? Well,
then, I can forgive _that_.

_Edw._ Nothing but jealousy, dearest! I cannot help, at times,
representing you surrounded by noble admirers,--all of them suing to
you,--not for yourself, but for your money,--tempting you with their
rank;--and it makes me jealous, horribly jealous! I cannot compete with
lords, Clementina,--a poor barrister without a brief.

_Clem._ I have loved you for yourself, Edward. I trust you have done the
same toward me.

_Edw._ Yes; upon my soul, my Clementina!

_Clem._ Then my uncle's disposition of his property will make no
difference in me. For your sake, my dear Edward, I hope he will not
forget me. What's that? Mrs Jellybags is coming out of the room. Haste,
Edward;--you must not be seen here. Away, dearest!--and may God bless
you.

_Edw._ (_kisses her hand._) Heaven preserve my adored, my matchless,
ever-to-be-loved Clementina. [_Exeunt separately._

_Scene II._

_The sick-room--Mr Cadaverous, lying on a sofa-bed--Mr Seedy, the
lawyer, sitting by his side, with papers on the table before him._

_Seedy._ I believe now, sir, that everything is arranged in your will
according to your instructions. Shall I read it over again; for although
signed and witnessed, you may make any alteration you please by a
codicil.

_Cad._ No, no. You have read it twice, Mr Seedy, and you may leave me
now. I am ill, very ill, and wish to be alone.

_Seedy_ (_folds up his papers and rises._) I take my leave, Mr
Cadaverous, trusting to be long employed as your solicitor.

_Cad._ Afraid not, Mr Seedy. Lawyers have no great interest in heaven.
Your being my solicitor will not help me there.

_Seedy_ (_coming forward as he goes out._) Not a sixpence to his legal
adviser! Well, well! I know how to make out a bill for the executors.
[_Exit Seedy, and enter Mrs Jellybags._

_Jel._ (_with her handkerchief to her eyes._) Oh dear! oh dear! oh, Mr
Cadave