_Enter MISS COY, F.E.L._
MISS C. I am glad I have resolved to go to London. Now, while they are
changing horses, let me collect my thoughts. Oh, dear, my misfortunes
seem to come all at once--my agent absconded--my match with Mr. Niggle
broken off--every body scandalizing me.--I am not sorry that I
discovered the villiany of my agent before I had called in another to
share my troubles--Mr. Niggle then would have been justified in
supposing that I had inveigled him into marriage--that mortification,
at least, is spared me.
_NIGGLE, without, F.E.L._
NIG. Let the chaise remain at the door.
MISS C. Ha! 'tis his voice--he has followed me, perhaps, to beg me to
return with him; but I will not--a reconciliation is now hopeless.
_Enter NIGGLE, F.E.L._
NIG. Caroline, dear Caroline.
MISS C. Why, sir, have you followed me? If you were to repent your
conduct to me ever so sincerely, I have told you that an obstacle to
our union now exists, which cannot be removed.
NIG. I know it, dear, I know it, your obstacle is nothing to what my
obstacle was; that is removed, and yours, I am sure, can soon be put
aside. But on one thing I am resolved--you don't go to London.
MISS C. I must, sir, and will.
NIG. I've told the coachman, the inside lady passenger don't go on.
MISS C. Have you dared to take such a liberty? I must call out and
contradict you.
[_She attempts to cross to the L., NIGGLE stops her._
NIG. Hear me, pray, hear me, I have treated you ill, I confess; but I
have longed to make every reparation. I was so bewildered, my feelings
were so tossed, this way and that, on a sea of doubt, that I knew not
how to guide them; but now I am determined--take me while my
resolution is strong within me--do--do--fix me--I _want_ to be
fixed--there can be no wavering then--it will be done. Let me slide
the ring on your finger--you throw the collar over my neck and make me
a married man--do, do; I don't feel respectable as I am. Pray consent;
the evil genius that controlled me is exorcised--I am free--Damper
himself is in the toils--Ha! ha! he's caught, and I can now flirt
where I please, love where I please, and marry where I please.
MISS C. Well, sir, take advantage of your emancipation, I beg.
NIG. I will, and carry you back with me.
MISS C. No.
NIG. You mean "yes," I must take your negative as an affirmative, you
pervert your mother tongue, you know you do. Come, come, whatever you
are, whether penniless, a female adventurer, a scheming widow with a
family of full grown young men about you, I puff all such obstacles
into the air; and, in spite of the worst, am ready to marry.
MISS C. Let me pass you. _(Crosses to L.)_
NIG. What's the matter?
MISS C. The coach has gone off without me.
NIG. It has, it has. Now you are in my power.
MISS C. Well, sir, I may be compelled to return with you; but the
moment I arrive at home you must leave me. Were I not in the dilemma
that I am, I might forgive you; but I should loose respect for myself
were I now to listen to you, I can bear my troubles as I have born my
recent mortification, alone and in silence. _(Crying.)_
NIG. _(Crying.)_ Oh! what a woman I have lost--what a heroine--how she
would have decided all my actions. Caroline, have pity.
MISS C. No. Take me home and leave me.
NIG. Give me hope.
MISS C. No.
NIG. One kind word.
MISS C. I wont.
NIG. _(Taking a paper from his pocket-book.)_ Here, here is the
licence, dear, look at it--read it--it may turn your heart.
[_MISS COY takes the licence from his hand, tears it, throws it at his
feet, and walks off with great dignity. NIGGLE takes up the pieces in
dismay._
NIG. That's a decided negative. When a woman tears up the licence
there can be no hope.
[_Exit following MISS COY._