Jealousy Over the Nobleman’s Attention to Narcissa
At the ball, Narcissa eclipses all competitors with her beauty. After they dance, a prominent nobleman pays them a flattering compliment, but then attaches himself to Narcissa with evident passion. R— R— feels the pangs of jealousy watching his rival’s success, dreading his power and address. When the nobleman speaks warmly to Narcissa, R— R—’s heart dies within him. He becomes enraged and assumes a grim demeanor. When the nobleman departs to the other side of the room, Narcissa notices his agitation and changes color with concern, asking what ails him.
The Squire Is Captivated by Melinda’s Beauty
Before R— R— can answer Narcissa, the squire pulls him by the sleeve and points out Melinda seated opposite them, accompanied by her mother and an elderly gentleman. The squire expresses admiration for her beauty and contemplates pursuing her. Alarmed that Melinda might revenge herself for his former disgrace by spreading reports against him, R— R— tells the squire that Melinda has a ten-thousand-pound fortune and is promised to a lord who delays marriage until coming of age. The squire dismisses this obstacle, declaring himself as good as any lord and confident a three-thousand-pound-per-year commoner will suit her. R— R— realizes the squire will discover the falsehood and that Melinda’s influence may obstruct his own courtship. Narcissa insists on leaving, and as R— R— leads her away, the nobleman directs a languishing bow to her, which stings him to the soul. She asks what troubles him, and he can only exclaim his distraction.
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