The Rivals Chapter Summary & Analysis - Act 5, Scene 1 Summary

Act 5, Scene 1 Summary

Julia has just received an alarming message from Faulkland and she awaits his arrival in her dressing room. He enters and tells her a most unfortunate thing has happened. He leads her to believe he has been in a quarrel and killed a man. Faulkland says he must flee the country and has come to say good-bye.

Julia vows to go with him into exile. He presses her by asking if she wants more time to consider her decision. She says, "I ask not a moment." He tests her again by saying that they will lose his fortune. Julia says that alone can never make them unhappy.

Finally, he says that the unfortunate incident may lead him to become even more ill tempered. Julia says, "If your thoughts should assume so unhappy a bent, you will the more want some mild and affectionate spirit to watch over and console you."