your nephew had a mind to amuse himself sometimes with
a little gallantry towards me. Nay, I can't think he meant anything
seriously, but methought it looked oddly.

LORD TOUCH. Confusion and hell, what do I hear?

LADY TOUCH. Or, may be, he thought he was not enough akin to me, upon
your account, and had a mind to create a nearer relation on his own; a
lover you know, my lord. Ha, ha, ha. Well, but that's all. Now you
have it; well remember your promise, my lord, and don't take any notice
of it to him.

LORD TOUCH. No, no, no. Damnation!

LADY TOUCH. Nay, I swear you must not. A little harmless mirth; only
misplaced, that's all. But if it were more, 'tis over now, and all's
well. For my part I have forgot it, and so has he, I hope,--for I have
not heard anything from him these two days.

LORD TOUCH. These two days! Is it so fresh? Unnatural villain! Death,
I'll have him stripped and turned naked out of my doors this moment, and
let him rot and perish, incestuous brute!

LADY TOUCH. Oh, for heav'n's sake, my lord, you'll ruin me if you take
such public notice of it; it will be a town talk. Consider your own and
my honour; nay, I told you you would not be satisfied when you knew it.

LORD TOUCH. Before I've done I will be satisfied. Ungrateful monster!
how long?

LADY TOUCH. Lord, I don't know; I wish my lips had grown together when I
told you. Almost a twelvemonth. Nay, I won't tell you any more till you
are yourself. Pray, my lord, don't let the company see you in this
disorder. Yet, I confess, I can't blame you; for I think I was never so
surprised in my life. Who would have thought my nephew could have so
misconstrued my kindness? But will you go into your closet, and recover
your temper. I'll make an excuse of sudden business to the company, and
come to you. Pray, good, dear my lord, let me beg you do now. I'll come
immediately and tell you all; will you, my lord?

LORD TOUCH. I will--I am mute with wonder.

LADY TOUCH. Well, but go now, here's somebody coming.

LORD TOUCH. Well, I go. You won't stay? for I would hear more of this.

LADY TOUCH. I follow instantly. So.

SCENE II.

LADY TOUCHWOOD, MASKWELL.

MASK. This was a masterpiece, and did not need my help, though I stood
ready for a cue to come in and confirm all, had there been occasion.

LADY TOUCH. Have you seen Mellefont?

MASK. I have; and am to meet him here about this time.

LADY TOUCH. H