is a pity. Where can the foolish girl be gadding?

WILLIAM
The shopmen say she went out with Mr. Davenport.

FLINT
Davenport? Impossible.

WILLIAM
They say they are sure it was he, by the same token that they saw her
slip into his hand, when she was past the door, the casket which you
gave her.

FLINT
Gave her, William! I only intrusted it to her. She has robbed me. Marian
is a thief. You must go to the Justice, William, and get out a warrant
against her immediately. Do you help them in the description. Put in
"Marian Flint," in plain words--no remonstrances, William--"daughter of
Reuben Flint,"--no remonstrances, but do it--

WILLIAM
Nay, sir--

FLINT
I am rock, absolute rock, to all that you can say--A piece of solid
rock.--What is it that makes my legs to fail, and my whole frame to
totter thus? It has been my over walking. I am very faint. Support me
in, William. [_Exeunt_]

SCENE.--_The Apartment of Miss Flyn._

MISS FLYN. BETTY.

MISS FLYN
'Tis past eleven. Every minute I expect Mr. Pendulous here. What a
meeting do I anticipate!

BETTY
Anticipate, truly! what other than a joyful meeting can it be between
two agreed lovers who have been parted these four months?

MISS FLYN
But in that cruel space what accidents have happened!--(_aside_)--As
yet I perceive she is ignorant of this unfortunate affair.

BETTY
Lord, madam, what accidents? He has not had a fall or a tumble, has he?
He is not coming upon crutches?

MISS FLYN
Not exactly a fall--(_aside_)--I wish I had courage to admit her to my
confidence.

BETTY
If his neck is whole, his heart is so too, I warrant it.

MISS FLYN
His neck!--(_aside_)--She certainly mistrusts something. He writes me
word that this must be his last interview.

BETTY
Then I guess the whole business. The wretch is unfaithful. Some creature
or other has got him into a noose.

MISS FLYN
A noose!

BETTY
And I shall never more see him hang----

MISS FLYN
Hang, did you say, Betty?

BETTY
About that dear, fond neck, I was going to add, madam, but you
interrupted me.

MISS FLYN
I can no longer labour with a secret which oppresses me thus. Can you be
trusty?

BETTY
Who, I, madam?--(_aside_)--Lord, I am so glad. Now I shall know all.

MISS FLYN
This letter discloses the reason of his unaccountable long absence from
me. Peruse it, and say if we have not reason to be unhappy.

_(Betty retires to the window to read the letter, Mr. Pendulous
e