WORM. And I trust that you will not think your father's life over-valued when 'tis purchased at so gracious a price.     

       LOUISA (with great indignation). True, oh! true! The great are entrenched from truth behind their own vices, safely as behind the swords of cherubim. The Almighty protect thee, father! Your child can die— but not sin for thee.     

       WORM. This will be agreeable news for the poor disconsolate old man. "My Louisa," says he, "has bowed me down to the earth; but my Louisa will raise me up again." I hasten to him with your answer. (Affects to be about to depart.)     

       LOUISA (flies after him and holds him back). Stay! stay! one moment's patience! How nimble this Satan is, when his business is to drive humanity distracted! I have bowed him to the earth! I must raise him up again! Speak to me! Counsel me! What can I, what must I do?     

       WORM. There is but one means of saving him!     

       LOUISA. What is that means?     

       WORM. And your father approves of it——     

       LOUISA. My father? Oh! name that means.     

       WORM. It is easy for you to execute.     

       LOUISA. I know of nothing harder than infamy!     

       WORM. Suppose you were to release the major from his engagement?     

       LOUISA. Release him! Do you mock me? Do you call that a choice to which force compelled me?     

       WORM. You mistake me, dear girl! The major must resign you willingly, and be the first to retract his engagement.     

       LOUISA. That he will never do.     

       WORM. So it appears. Should we, do you think, have had recourse to you were it not that you alone are able to help us?     

       LOUISA. I cannot compel him to hate me.     

       WORM. We will try! Be seated.     

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