Itrust you have candidly determined, and will decide explicitly. 27 Mel. (sighing.) I am placed in an exceedingly delicate situation. Al. I know you are; but your own honour, your own peace, require that you should extricate yourself from the perplexing embarrassment. Mel. I am sensible they do. It must—it shall be done. Al. And the sooner it is done the better. Mel. That I am convinced of. I now know that I have been inadvertently indiscreet. I have admitted the addresses of Beauman and yourself, without calculating or expecting the consequences. You have both treated me honourably, and with respect. You are both on equal grounds as to your character and standing in life. With Beauman I became first acquainted. As it relates to him, some new arrangements have taken place since you were here, which—— —— Al. (interrupting her, with emotion.) Of those arrangements I am acquainted. Mel. (surprised.) By what means were you informed thereof? Al. I received it from a friend in your neighbourhood. A considerable pause ensued. 28 Al. You see, Melissa, I am prepared for the event.—She was still silent. Al. I have mentioned before, that, whatever be your decision, no impropriety can attach to you. I might not, indeed, from various circumstances, and from the information I possess, I perhaps should not, have given you farther trouble on the occasion, had it not been from your own direction and appointment. And I am now willing to retire without further explanation, without giving you the pain of an express decision, if you think the measure expedient. Your declaration can only be a matter of form, the consequence of which I know, and my proposition may save your feelings.
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