Sir Fran. Ha, ha, ha, ha, poor Sir George, Ha, ha, ha, ha.
    (Aside.

Sir Geo. Was it by his desire that you are Dumb, Madam, to all that I can say?

Miran. (Nods.)

Sir Geo. Very well! she’s tractable I find—­And is it possible that you can love him?  Miraculous! (__Miran._ Nods._) Pardon the bluntness of my Questions, for my Time is short; may I not hope to supplant him in your Esteem? (__Miran._ Sighs._) Good! she answers me as I could wish—­You’ll not consent to marry him then? (__Miran._ Sighs._) How, doubtful in that—­Undone again—­Humph! but that may proceed from his Power to keep her out of her Estate till Twenty Five; I’ll try that—­Come, Madam, I cannot think you hesitate in this Affair out of any Motive, but your Fortune—­Let him keep it till those few Years are expir’d; make me Happy with your Person, let him enjoy your Wealth—­(__Miran._ holds up her Hands._) Why, what Sign is that now?  Nay, nay, Madam, except you observe my Lesson, I can’t understand your meaning—­

Sir Fran. What a Vengeance, are they talking by Signs, ’ad I may be fool’d here; what do you mean, Sir George?

Sir Geo. To Cut your Throat if you dare Mutter another Syllable.

Sir Fran. Od!  I wish he were fairly out of my House.

Sir Geo. Pray, Madam, will you answer me to the Purpose? (__Miran._ shakes her Head, and points to Sir Francis._) What! does she mean she won’t answer me to the purpose, or is she afraid yon’ old Cuff should understand her Signs?—­Aye, it must be that, I perceive, Madam, you are too apprehensive of the Promise you have made to follow my Rules; therefore I’ll suppose your Mind and answer for you—­First, for my self, Madam, that I am in Love with you is an infallible Truth.  Now for you:  (Turns on her side.) Indeed, Sir, and may I believe it—­As certainly, Madam, as that ’tis Day light, or that I Die if you persist in Silence—­Bless me with the Musick of your Voice, and raise my Spirits to their proper Heaven:  Thus low let me intreat; e’er I’m oblig’d to quit this Place, grant me some Token of a favourable Reception to keep my Hopes alive. (Arises hastily turns of her side.) Rise, Sir, and since my Guardian’s Presence will not allow me Privilege of Tongue, Read that and rest assured you are not indifferent to me. (Offers her a Letter.) Ha! right Woman!  But no (She strikes it down.) matter I’ll go on.

Sir Fran. Ha! what’s that a Letter—­Ha, ha, ha, thou art baulk’d.

Miran. The best Assurance I ever saw—­
    (Aside.

Sir Geo. Ha? a Letter, Oh! let me Kiss it with the same Raptures that I would do the dear Hand that touch’d it. (Opens it.) Now for a quick Fancy and a long Extempore—­What’s here? (Reads.) “Dear, Sir George, this Virgin Muse I consecrate to you, which when it has receiv’d the Addition of your Voice, ’twill Charm me into Desire of Liberty to Love, which you, and only you can fix.”  My Angel!  Oh you transport me! (Kisses the Letter.) And see the Power of your Command; the God of Love has set the Verse already; the flowing Numbers Dance into a Tune, and I’m inspir’d with a Voice to sing it.