n a--_(whispers)_--night cap, my dear; and now the mischief is out.

MARIAN
Is there no way to cure him?

MISS FLYN
None, unless I were to try the experiment, by placing myself in the
hands of justice for a little while, how far an equality in misfortune
might breed a sympathy in sentiment. Our reputations would be both upon
a level, then, you know. What think you of a little innocent
shop-lifting, in sport?

MARIAN
And by that contrivance to be taken before a magistrate? the project
sounds oddly.

MISS FLYN
And yet I am more than half persuaded it is feasible.

_Enter Betty._

BETTY
Mr. Davenport is below, ma'am, and desires to speak with you.

MARIAN
You will excuse me--_(going--turning back.)_--You will remember the
casket? _[Exit.]_

MISS FLYN
Depend on me.

BETTY
And a strange man desires to see you, ma'am. I do not half like his
looks.

MISS FLYN
Shew him in.

_(Exit Betty, and returns--with a Police Officer. Betty goes out.)_

OFFICER
Your servant, ma'am. Your name is----

MISS FLYN
Flyn, sir. Your business with me?

OFFICER
_(Alternately surveying the lady and his paper of instructions.)_ Marian
Flint.

MISS FLYN
Maria Flyn.

OFFICER
Aye, aye, Flyn or Flint. 'Tis all one. Some write plain Mary, and some
put ann after it. I come about a casket.

MISS FLYN
I guess the whole business. He takes me for my friend. Something may
come out of this. I will humour him.

OFFICER
_(Aside)_--Answers the description to a tittle. "Soft, grey eyes, pale
complexion,"----

MISS FLYN
Yet I have been told by flatterers that my eyes were blue--_(takes out
a pocket-glass)_--I hope I look pretty tolerably to-day.

OFFICER
Blue!--they are a sort of blueish-gray, now I look better; and as for
colour, that comes and goes. Blushing is often a sign of a hardened
offender. Do you know any thing of a casket?

MISS FLYN
Here is one which a friend has just delivered to my keeping.

OFFICER
And which I must beg leave to secure, together with your ladyship's
person. "Garnets, pearls, diamond-bracelet,"--here they are, sure
enough.

MISS FLYN
Indeed, I am innocent.

OFFICER
Every man is presumed so till he is found otherwise.

MISS FLYN
Police wit! Have you a warrant?

OFFICER
Tolerably cool that! Here it is, signed by Justice Golding, at the
requisition of Reuben Flint, who deposes that you have robbed him.

MISS FLYN
How lucky this turns out! _(aside.)_--Can I be indulged with a coach?