Dal. And you'll tell Sancho 'twas a forged letter?

Carl. No doubt on't; for I wrote it to myself; and out of revenge invented the whole story.

Dal. But suppose, dear cousin, that Sancho should not believe all this to be your invention; and should still suspect the letter to be true?

Carl. I can easily convince him, by writing the same hand again, in which that letter was indited.

Dal. That's an excellent expedient; but do it now; for a woman can never be cleared too soon.

Carl. But when you are cleared, you will forget your promise to me——

Dal. But if I am not cleared, I cannot marry him; nor be put in a way to keep my promise. Come, I'll hold my hand; write upon it, I always carry pen and ink about me.

Carl. Let me seal my affection first. [Kisses her hand.] Now, what should I write?

Dal. Only these words at the bottom of the note, in the same character:—This letter was wholly forged by me, Carlos. [He kneels and writes.