And I have injur'd much the best of masters.
I know no other banker cou'd support it.

MARIA. Most happy youth! there does not live another,
Of whom my mistress would have sought these favours.
O! cou'd I venture, I could say much more.--
Thus far however, I'll be bold to utter;
That were our worthy master gone to rest,
(And all observe he's every day declining)
You are the only man her heart would choose.--
But I have gone too far.

JEFFERSON. Transporting sounds!
My soul is all attention!--Pray proceed.

MARIA. I cannot--O! I must not.

JEFFERSON. Why?

MARIA. Her honour.

JEFFERSON. Say, are you truly serious in this matter?
Or, but amusing me with idle hopes?

MARIA. Pray have you ever found me such a trifler?

JEFFERSON. I cannot say I have, and yet----

MARIA. Yet, what?