When I had ended, he begged to know whether I was quite certain that I had ten thousand pounds in my power. I replied, that as Wilkinson's daughter, I certainly had; but that the property must devolve to some one else, as soon as I should be proved a nobleman's daughter.
He then made still more accurate inquiries about it; and after having satisfied himself:
'Beshrew my heart!' exclaimed he; 'but I will avenge your injuries; and ere long you shall be proclaimed and acknowledged the Lady Cherubina De Willoughby. Meantime, as it will be prudent for you to lie concealed from the search of your enemies, hear the project which I have formed. I lodge at present in Drury-lane, an obscure street; and as one apartment in the house is unoccupied, you can hire it, and remain there, a beautiful recluse, till fortune and my poor efforts shall rescue from oppression the most enchanting of her sex.'
He spoke, and seizing my hand, carried it to his lips.
'What!' cried I, 'do you not live in this castle, and are you not its noble heir?'
'This is no castle,' said he, 'but Covent Garden Theatre.'
'And you?' asked I with anxiety.
'Am an actor,' answered he.
'And your name?'
'Is Abraham Grundy.'