[Exit, R. H. F. E.
Enter LYNX, L. H.
Lynx. I have been rightly informed, my wife is here. Now that I have no further occasion for secresy, she shall know all; and if I can awake her to a sense of the mischiefs that will arise from a too watchful jealousy, I will henceforth pursue that line of conduct which must and shall ensure happiness.—(He is going R. H.)—What! who is that?—(looking off)—he speaks to my wife—she repulses him—he follows her. Villain!—(LYNX rushes off, R. H.)
CODDLE heard without, L. H.
Cod. Come along, Dove, come along; my wife is here. Come, my best friend—my preserver.
Enter CODDLE, dragging DOVE; DOVE’S coat is torn, and striving in vain to release himself from the grasp of CODDLE.
Cod. Huzza! Huzza! you’ve told the truth, Dove—you’ve told the truth—Belvidera has retreated and left me master of the field. Be grateful, you villain, be grateful. She would have torn your eyes out, murdered you, had it not been for me.
Dove. But Mr. Coddle, my coat is separating; let me go.
Cod. No, no, I must now introduce you to my wife. Where is she? Mrs. Coddle!—(calling)—Mrs. Coddle! they told me she was here; where are you, my dear, where are you? She can’t be in the house; then we’ll run all over London, but we’ll find her. Come, Dove, my friend, my preserver, come.