DIMPLE
I have done everything in my power to assist his
passion there: your delicacy, my dearest girl, would
be shocked at half the instances of neglect and mis-
behaviour.
CHARLOTTE
I don't know how I should bear neglect; but Mr.
Dimple must misbehave himself indeed, to forfeit my
good opinion.
DIMPLE
Your good opinion, my angel, is the pride and pleas-
ure of my heart; and if the most respectful tenderness
for you, and an utter indifference for all your sex
besides, can make me worthy of your esteem, I shall
richly merit it.
CHARLOTTE
All my sex besides, Mr. Dimple!--you forgot your
tete-a-tete with Letitia.
DIMPLE
How can you, my lovely angel, cast a thought on
that insipid, wry-mouthed, ugly creature!
CHARLOTTE
But her fortune may have charms?
DIMPLE
Not to a heart like mine. The man, who has been
blessed with the good opinion of my Charlotte, must
despise the allurements of fortune.
CHARLOTTE
I am satisfied.
DIMPLE
Let us think no more on the odious subject, but
devote the present hour to happiness.
CHARLOTTE
Can I be happy when I see the man I prefer going
to be married to another?
DIMPLE
Have I not already satisfied my charming angel,
that I can never think of marrying the puling Maria?
But, even if it were so, could that be any bar to our
happiness? for, as the poet sings,
"Love, free as air, at sight of human ties,
Spreads his light wings, and in a moment flies.
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