child, are a secret?

_Mary._ Yes, sir.

_Pereg._ Yet you appear to need a friend to direct them. A heath is
a rare place to find one: in the absence of a better, confide in me.

_Mary._ You forget that you are a stranger, sir.

_Pereg._ I always do--when the defenceless want my assistance.

_Mary._ But, perhaps you might betray me, sir.

_Pereg._ Never--by the honour of a man!

_Mary._ Pray don't swear by that, sir! for, then, you'll betray me,
I'm certain.

_Pereg._ Have you ever suffered from treachery, then, poor
innocence?

_Mary._ Yes, sir.

_Pereg._ And may not one of your own sex have been treacherous to
you?

_Mary._ No, sir; I'm very sure he was a man.

_Dennis._ Oh, the blackguard!

_Mrs. Brul._ Hold your tongue, do!

_Pereg._ Listen to me, child. I would proffer you friendship, for
your own sake--for the sake of benevolence. When ages, indeed, are
nearly equal, nature is prone to breathe so warmly on the blossoms
of a friendship between the sexes, that the fruit is desire; but
time, fair one, is scattering snow on my temples, while Hebe waves
her freshest ringlets over yours. Rely, then, on one who has
numbered years sufficient to correct his passions; who has
encountered difficulties enough to teach him sympathy; and who would
stretch forth his hand to a wandering female, and shelter her like a
father.

_Mary._ Oh, sir! I do want protection sadly indeed! I am very
miserable! [_Weeping._

_Pereg._ Come, do not droop. The cause of your distress, perhaps, is
trifling; but, light gales of adversity will make women weep. A
woman's tear falls like the dew that zephyrs shake from roses.--Nay,
confide in me.

_Mary._ I will, sir; but---- [_Looking round._

_Pereg._ Leave us a little, honest friends.

_Dennis._ A hem!--Come, Mrs. Brulgruddery! let you and I pair off,
my lambkin!

_Mrs. Brul._ [_Going._] Ah! she's no better than she should be, I'll
warrant her.

_Dennis._ By the powers, she's well enough though, for all that.
[_Exeunt DENNIS and MRS. BRUL. into the House._

_Pereg._ Now, sweet one, your name?

_Mary._ Mary, sir.

_Pereg._ What else?

_Mary._ Don't ask me that, sir: my poor father might be sorry it was
mentioned, now.

_Pereg._ Have you quitted your father, then?

_Mary._ I left his house at day-break, this morning, sir.

_Pereg._ What is he?

_Mary._ A tradesman in the ne