t heaven and my waking conscience are my
witnesses, I never gave one working thought a vent, which might discover
that I loved, nor ever must. No, let it prey upon my heart; for I would
rather die, than seem once, barely seem, dishonest. Oh, should it once
be known I love fair Cynthia, all this that I have done would look like
rival's malice, false friendship to my lord, and base self-interest. Let
me perish first, and from this hour avoid all sight and speech, and, if I
can, all thought of that pernicious beauty. Ha! But what is my
distraction doing? I am wildly talking to myself, and some ill chance
might have directed malicious ears this way. [_Seems to start_, _seeing
my lord_.]

LORD TOUCH. Start not; let guilty and dishonest souls start at the
revelation of their thoughts, but be thou fixed, as is thy virtue.

MASK. I am confounded, and beg your Lordship's pardon for those free
discourses which I have had with myself.

LORD TOUCH. Come, I beg your pardon that I overheard you, and yet it
shall not need. Honest Maskwell! Thy and my good genius led me hither.
Mine, in that I have discovered so much manly virtue; thine, in that thou
shalt have due reward of all thy worth. Give me thy hand. My nephew is
the alone remaining branch of all our ancient family: him I thus blow
away, and constitute thee in his room to be my heir--

MASK. Now heaven forbid--

LORD TOUCH. No more--I have resolved. The writings are ready drawn, and
wanted nothing but to be signed, and have his name inserted. Yours will
fill the blank as well. I will have no reply. Let me command this time;
for 'tis the last in which I will assume authority. Hereafter, you shall
rule where I have power.

MASK. I humbly would petition--

LORD TOUCH. Is't for yourself? [MASKWELL _pauses_.] I'll hear of
nought for anybody else.

MASK. Then witness heaven for me, this wealth and honour was not of my
seeking, nor would I build my fortune on another's ruin. I had but one
desire--

LORD TOUCH. Thou shalt enjoy it. If all I'm worth in wealth or interest
can purchase Cynthia, she is thine. I'm sure Sir Paul's consent will
follow fortune. I'll quickly show him which way that is going.

MASK. You oppress me with bounty. My gratitude is weak, and shrinks
beneath the weight, and cannot rise to thank you. What, enjoy my love!
Forgive the transports of a blessing so unexpected, so unhoped for, so
unthought of!

LORD TOUCH. I wil