_De la Cot._ [_To himself._] Oh, Heaven! how wretched I am! how
unfortunate!

_Gas._ The trunk, sir, is packed.

_De la Cot._ Ah, Gascoigne! I am in despair.

_Gas._ Alas! what misfortune has happened?

_De la Cot._ The worst that could befall me.

_Gas._ Our troubles seldom come alone.

_De la Cot._ Mine is alone, but so great that I cannot support it.

_Gas._ I suppose you allude to your love?

_De la Cot._ Yes; but it has increased to such a degree that I have no
longer firmness enough to resist it.

_Gas._ What if the lady is unconcerned at your departure, and does not
love you as you imagine she does?

_De la Cot._ On the contrary, she is more affectionate, and more devoted
to me than ever. Oh, God! what will my despair drive me to? I saw her
weep.

_Gas._ Well, this is bad enough, but I thought it was something much
worse.

_De la Cot._ Inhuman! unfeeling! vile plebeian soul! can you imagine
anything worse in the world than the tears of a tender-hearted,
distressed lady, who accuses me of cruelty, who makes my resolution
waver, and puts to a severe trial my honour, my reputation, and my
friendship?

_Gas._ I am not conscious of deserving so harsh a reproof; this is a
just recompense for ten years' service.

_De la Cot._ Ah! put yourself in my place, and then, if you can,
condemn my transports. My wounds, my blood, my being a prisoner of
war, which prevents my promotion, the narrowness of my fortune, all
appear nothing in comparison with the love which inflames my soul. The
excellent principles of the young lady prevented her from assuring me
that I possessed her heart, and in consequence I resolved to leave her.
Ah! at the moment of taking leave, tears and sobs prevented her from
speaking, and they proved her love was equal to mine. My wretchedness
is extreme; my resolution seems barbarous; and now, frantic with love,
reason appears to desert me.

_Gas._ Take time, sir; remain here. Monsieur Philibert is the best man
in the world; in Holland they pride themselves on their hospitality, and
our host takes the greatest interest in you, and in your health. You are
not perfectly cured, and this is a good reason for not going.

_De la Cot._ I will think over what you say; very little would change my
determination.

_Gas._ With your leave I will at once unpack the trunk. [_Unpacking._]

_De la Cot._ [_Apart._] What will they say if I remain after having
taken my leave?

_Gas._ [_Apart._] Marian