And spreads the sparkles round, to warm the world.

Vera. Oh, heavens, she makes a merit of her crime!

Victoria, I would yet think better of thee,

And therefore dare I not enquire too far,

Willing to doubt the guilt I fear to find.

Depart, and answer not.— [Exit Vict.

For thee, whom I abhor to call my son, [To Alph.

And wish thou wert a stranger to my blood—

Xim. That was a happy hint, I must improve it. [Aside.

Vera. One way, and only one, remains to clear thee: