dupe of another man's
wife,--you'll be the dupe of your own, you know--"think of that, Master
Brook, think of that." Well, your servant. [_Exit._

_Lord._ He's gone without hearing me!--then there's an end of every
thing, for here I stand, once a barrister,--since a country gentleman,
and now a peer; and, though I have made twenty attempts to speak, I
can't be heard a syllable,--mercy! what will this world come to! A peer,
and not be heard!

_Lady._ My lord,--assured of my innocence, I have no doubt of justifying
my own conduct, and even by means of that letter increasing your
affection.--It was written to another person--your ungrateful nephew.

_Lord._ My nephew?

_Lady._ Yes, sir, I could not perceive him losing the esteem of his
friends, without having the desire to reclaim him--indeed, I knew no
better mode of fulfilling my project, than by personally warning him of
his situation.--For this purpose, I wrote that letter, and I never
thought it would have been thus misused.--If there is any improper
warmth in the expressions, it only proceeds from my anxiety of ensuring
an interview.--I hope, sir, you are satisfied.

_Lord._ Why, I believe you, my lady; and I should be perfectly satisfied
if I could forget your passion for the stage, and that madman behind the
sofa.

_Lady._ As to that, sir, this young lady can best inform you.--I desired
him to leave the house an hour ago.

_Mari._ [_Aside._] I'm afraid my only way is to confess all.--My lord,
if I confess the truth, I hope you'll prevail on my aunt to forgive me.

_Lord._ Tell what you know, and I'll answer for your forgiveness.

_Mari._ Why, sir, I found the gentleman alone, and not having had a
_tete-a-tete_ a long time, I pressed him to stay, and, on hearing your
voice, I put him behind the sofa,--that you might not think any thing
had happened,--and, indeed, sir, nothing did happen--upon my word he's
as quiet, inoffensive a gentleman as yourself.

_Lord._ My fears are over! Oh! you finished composition! come to my
arms, and when I suspect you again--[_Coughs much._]--this curst cough,
it takes one so suddenly!

_Enter ENNUI._

_Ennui._ I've an idea--Floriville is arrived--in fact--I just now spoke
to him.

_Lord._ Floriville arrived!--Come, my lady--let's go see what his
travels have done for him.--Hark ye, Ennui--prepare for your interview
with Louisa, and remember you make a mandarin member.--Come, my
lady--nay, neve