The Nephews: A Play, in Five Acts. Part 3

_Mrs. D._ An inconsiderate mind is better than such sour virtue, if indeed it deserves the name.

_Mr. D._ I own I am disappointed in both of them.

_Mrs. D._ I fear, my dear Drave, your mode of education has contributed to make them hate each other.

_Mr. D._ Hate? Philip hate?--Never.----If Lewis does, I am sorry.

_Mrs. D._ He cannot love such sour behaviour--he does not hate--but he is cold--they have not spoken to each other these three months.

_Mr. D._ We must put an end to this. They must see each other, come to an explanation, and all will be well. Lewis esteems you--prevail on him to meet his brother with kindness.

_Mrs. D._ Willingly.--And now concerning Augusta--what will you do?

_Mr. D._ [thoughtfully]. Now I see clearly--now I can account for many strange things: it is too true--her pa.s.sion is too deeply rooted to be overcome. I will never force her inclination--but I must first be certain that Lewis really loves her.

_Mrs. D._ I hope to satisfy you in that point. His declarations are sufficiently explicit.

_Mr. D._ Suppose what you tell me to be true, the young Counsellor's visits must be declined.

_Mrs. D._ Why so?

_Mr. D._ For a thousand reasons. I must beg you to comply with my wishes in this respect.--The company of a fool can never do any good, though his impertinences may do mischief.--I have now some engagements abroad, and cannot speak to Augusta, till after I return. Prepare her for it--tell her that her happiness is dearer to me than my life--she is still the child of my heart, and her choice shall be mine.--Adieu.

[Exeunt on different sides.]

END OF THE FIRST ACT.

_ACT II._

SCENE I.

AUGUSTA laying down a book, and wiping her eyes.

Mrs. DRAVE entering.

_Mrs. D._ At your books, and in tears again, Augusta?

_Augusta._ No, dear mother.

_Mrs. D._ Your eyes betray you. You must not be so melancholy. One impediment is remov'd--I have acquainted your father with your attachment.

_Augusta._ Good G.o.d! what have you done!

_Mrs. D._ What we ought to have done long long ago; he loves you so tenderly.

_Augusta._ But why should I not try to overcome this unhappy pa.s.sion, knowing----

_Mrs. D._ Overcome? Can you do that? I know your heart too well. But be cheerful now--dream not of impediments that will never arise. Your father consents to whatever can tend to make you happy.

_Augusta._ What! my dear father will permit----

_Mrs. D._ He will proceed without precipitation; which is what I would advise you to do. If Lewis loves you sincerely, you may trust your father's heart.

_Augusta._ If? Oh, my dear mother, my doubts about _him_, occasion me continual uneasiness.--Could he deceive my affection----he seems of no fixed character.

_Mrs. D._ It must be owned he is unsteady.

_Augusta._ His way of life, indeed, displays such a character; but his heart is good.

_Mrs. D._ I believe it.

_Augusta._ He does a great deal of good in private.

_Mrs. D._ I know he does.

_Augusta._ And always with such a good will, without any ostentation.

_Mrs. D._ That is true.

_Augusta._ A _man_ cannot be so tender as we are; but he certainly has feeling.----I am sorry he is not upon good terms with his brother.

_Mrs. D._ There I absolve him. Who can bear his churlish temper?

_Augusta._ And yet how deeply he was concerned about his brother's last illness! how attentive to make him comfortable! He cannot be bad.

_Mrs. D._ Very possibly; but think, my Augusta, if he were----

_Augusta._ If he were not good towards me, then--I am very unhappy! I love him so much, even to his faults, for they arise from unsuspicious goodness of heart.

Enter COUNSELLOR FLEFFEL.

_Counsellor._ Good day to you, fair ladies; your most obedient servant.

_Mrs. D._ You honour us with your company sooner than we expected.

_Counsellor._ I was impatient, absolutely beside myself, upon my honour, till fashion allowed me to fly hither; I am always so happy in your charming company!

PHILIP BROOK entering.

_Philip._ Good morning to you, Madam [bows to Augusta.] Pray, is Mr.

Drave at home? [To the Counsellor] Good morning, Sir.

_Mrs. D._ No, Sir, he is just gone out. [They converse together. The Counsellor talks to Augusta].

_Counsellor._ Miss Drave, we will have some sport.