_Helen._ Then why don't you desist, my lord? If you'd take an answer, you had a civil one: but if you will follow and teaze one, like a sturdy beggar in the street, you must expect at last a reproof for your impertinence.
_Lord A._ Yet even in their case perseverance often obtains what was denied to poverty.
_Helen._ Yes, possibly, from the feeble or the vain; but genuine Charity, and her sister, Love, act only from their own generous impulse, and scorn intimidation.
_Helen._ No; I was only wishing to be so.
_Tiff._ A young woman is without, inquiring for sir Willoughby, ma'am; I thought he had been here.
_Tiff._ Yes, ma'am; 'tis Fanny, the daughter of the odd man that lives on the common.
_Helen._ I'll see her myself--desire her to walk up. [_Exit Tiffany._
_Lord A._ (_seems uneasy_) Indeed! what brings her here?
_Helen._ Why, what can be the matter now? your lordship seems quite melancholy on a sudden.
_Lord A._ I, madam! oh no!--or if I am--'tis merely a head ach, or some such cause, or perhaps owing to the influence of the weather.
_Helen._ Your lordship is a very susceptible barometer--when you entered this room your countenance was _set fair_; but now I see the index points to _stormy_.
_Lord A._ Madam, you have company, or business--a good morning to you.
_Lord A._ Excuse me at present, I have an important affair--another time.
_Helen._ Surely, my lord, the arrival of this innocent girl does not drive you away!
_Lord A._ Bless me, madam, what an idea! certainly not; but I have just recollected an engagement of consequence--some other time--Madam, your most obedient-- [_Exit._
_Fan._ I beg pardon, madam, I'm fearful I intrude; but I inquired for sir Willoughby, and they showed me to this room. I wished to speak with him on particular business--your servant, madam.
_Hel._ Pray stay, my good girl--I rejoice in this opportunity of becoming acquainted with you--the character I have heard of you has excited an affectionate interest--you must allow me to become your friend.
_Fanny._ Indeed, indeed, madam, I am in want of friends; but you can never be one of them.
_Fan._ You, madam! Oh no--you are the only enemy I ever had.
_Hel._ Enemy! This is very extraordinary! I have scarce ever seen you before--Assuredly I never injured you.