_Clem._ To see me, Edward: surely there needs no excuse for coming?
_Edw._ To reiterate my ardent, pure, and unchangeable affection, my dearest Clementina; to assure you, that in sickness or in health, for richer or for poorer, for better or for worse, as they say in the marriage ceremony, I am yours till death us do part.
_Clem._ I accept the vow, dearest Edward. You know too well my heart for me to say more.
_Edw._ I do know your heart, Clementina, as it is,--nor do I think it possible that you could change;--still, sometimes--that is for a moment when I call to mind that, by your uncle's death, as his favourite niece, living with him for so many years, you may soon find yourself in the possession of thousands,--and that titled men may lay their coronets at your feet,--then, Clementina----
_Clem._ Ungenerous and unkind!--Edward, I almost hate you. Is a little money, then, to sway my affections? Shame, Edward, shame on you! Is such your opinion of my constancy? (_Weeps._) You must judge me by your own heart.
_Edw._ Clementina! dearest Clementina!--I did!--but rather--that is,--I was not in earnest;--but when we value any object as I value you,--it may be forgiven, if I feel at times a little jealous;--yes, dearest, jealous!
_Clem._ 'Twas jealousy then, Edward, which made you so unkind? Well, then, I can forgive _that_.
_Edw._ Nothing but jealousy, dearest! I cannot help, at times, representing you surrounded by noble admirers,--all of them suing to you,--not for yourself, but for your money,--tempting you with their rank;--and it makes me jealous, horribly jealous! I cannot compete with lords, Clementina,--a poor barrister without a brief.
_Clem._ I have loved you for yourself, Edward. I trust you have done the same toward me.
_Clem._ Then my uncle's disposition of his property will make no difference in me. For your sake, my dear Edward, I hope he will not forget me. What's that? Mrs Jellybags is coming out of the room. Haste, Edward;--you must not be seen here. Away, dearest!--and may God bless you.
_Edw._ (_kisses her hand._) Heaven preserve my adored, my matchless, ever-to-be-loved Clementina. [_Exeunt separately._
_The sick-room--Mr Cadaverous, lying on a sofa-bed--Mr Seedy, the lawyer, sitting by his side, with papers on the table before him._