_Eger_. Is it possible?

_Lady Rod_. A most amorous truth, sir;--that is, as far as a woman can
answer for her ain heart. [_in a laughing gaiety_.] So you see, cousin
Charles, thof I you'd nai mingle affections with _you_--I have nai ganged
out of the family.

_Eger_. [_A polite rapture, frank_.] Madam, give me leave to congratulate
myself upon your affection,--you cou'd not have placed it on a worthier
object; and, whatever is to be our chance in this lottery of our parents,
be assured that my fortune shall be devoted to your happiness and his.

_Lady Rod_. Generous, indeed, cousin--but not a whit nobler, I assure you,
than your brother Sandy believes of you.--And, be assured, sir, that we
shall both remember it, while the heart feels, or the memory retains a
sense of gratitude.--But now, sir, let me ask one question:--Pray, how is
your mother affected in this business?

_Eger_. She knows of my passion, and will, I am sure, be a friend to the
common cause.

_Lady Rod_. Ah! that's lucky. Our first step then must be to take her
advice upon our conduct, so as to keep our fathers in the dark till we can
hit off some measure that will wind them about till our ain purpose, and
the common interest of our ain passion.

_Eger_. You are very right, madam, for, should my father suspect my
brother's affection for your ladyship, or mine for Constantia, there is no
guessing what wou'd be the consequence.--His whole happiness depends upon
this bargain with my lord; for it gives him the possession of three