The Heiress Part 21

_Rightly._ [_With Feeling._] And there she stands, [_Pointing to MISS CLIFFORD._] with a look and an emotion that would condemn her before any court in the universe.

_Lady E._ Glorious--matchless Clifford!

_Miss Cliff._ Brother, this must not be.

_Cliff._ Your pardon, my dear Harriet, it is done. Sir Clement, my sister's fortune is still far short of what you expected with Miss Alscrip; for that deficiency, I have only to offer the virtues Lord Gayville has proved, and the affection she found it easier to control, than to conceal. If you will receive her, thus circ.u.mstanced, into your family, mine has been an acquisition indeed.

_Lady E._ [_Coming up to SIR CLEMENT._] Now, sir, where's the suspicion!

Where is now the ruling principle that governs mankind! Through what perspective, by what trial, will you find self-interest here? What, not one pithy word to mock my credulity!--Alas! poor Yorick--quite chop-fallen.--Forgive me, sir, I own I am agitated to extravagance--You found me disconcerted at the first discovery; I am delighted at the last; there's a problem of my disposition worthy your solving.

_Sir C._ [_Who has been profoundly thoughtful._] Mr. Rightly, favour me with that paper in your hand.

_Rightly._ Mr. Clifford's engagement, sir. [_Gives the Paper: SIR CLEMENT looks it over, and tears it._] What do you mean, sir?

_Sir C._ To cancel the obligation, and pay the equivalent to Gayville; or if Clifford will have his own way, and become a beggar by renewing it, to make an heiress of my own for his reparation--and there she stands. [_Pointing to LADY EMILY._] With sensibility and vivacity so uncommonly blended, that they extract benevolence wherever it exists, and create it where it never was before--Your point is carried--You may both fall upon your knees, for the consent of the ladies.

_Lord G._ [_To MISS CLIFFORD._] In this happy moment, let my errors be forgot, and my love alone remembered.

_Miss Cliff._ With these sanctions for my avowal--I will not deny that I saw and felt the sincerity of your attachment, from the time it was capable of being restrained by respect.

_Cliff._ Words are wanting, Lady Emily--

_Lady E._ I wish they may with all my heart, but it is generally remarked that wanting words, is the beginning of a florid set speech--To be serious, Clifford--We want but little explanation on either side--Sir Clement will tell you how long we have conversed by our actions. [_Gives her Hand._] My dear uncle, how a smile becomes you in its natural meaning!

_Sir C._ If you think me a convert, you are mistaken: I have ever believed _self_ to be the predominant principle of the human mind--My heart at this instant confirms the doctrine--There's my problem for yours, my dear Emily, and may all who hear me agree in this solution--to reward the deserving, and make those we love happy, is self-interest in the extreme.

THE END.