Lynx. I know more than you thought, Mr. Coddle.—Now, Sir, you see the plot is not one of such very great difficulty to execute. If you will not assist me, I must proclaim—
Cod. Not a word, on your life—plunge me into a cold bath, make me sleep a whole night on the top of the Monument—compel me to do any thing for which I have a horror—but breathe not a word of that—of that—
Lynx. Do, then, as I request you.
Cod. I will—I swear it—there—(falls on both his knees.)
Lynx. Save my secret, and I will preserve yours.
END OF ACT I.
[ACT II.—SCENE I.]
An Apartment in the house of MR. CODDLE; windows at the back with curtains; the doors are edged with list and leather. Table and chairs; an easy chair in the centre of the stage; MRS. CODDLE discovered at the table, a note in her hand.
Mrs. Cod. How very odd! how very strange! though this note arrived last night, I have scarcely done anything since but read it.—(Reads.)—“My dear Mrs. Coddle, pray pardon the warmth of my temper that led me to use certain expressions to you, of which, at the time, I was not conscious—though now, on recollection of them, I express my sorrow. Forgive me, and dine with us at five to-morrow, do not dissappoint me on your life, as I have a strong reason for inviting you; bring Coddle with you, of course. Sincerely yours, Emmeline Lynx.” What a strange woman! who would suppose, that yesterday, she desired me to quit the house and never enter there again. Well, I’m resolved to go. What a length of time Coddle takes for dressing; ’tis now half-past four, and I have been ready this hour.—(She knocks at R. H. D.)—Coddle, you drone, make haste.