Elv. I know not what to do, father; I find myself in a most desperate condition; and so is the colonel, for love of me.
Dom. The colonel, say you! I wish it be not the same young gentleman I know. 'Tis a gallant young man, I must confess, worthy of any lady's love in Christendom,—in a lawful way, I mean: of such a charming behaviour, so bewitching to a woman's eye, and, furthermore, so charitably given; by all good tokens, this must be my colonel Hernando.
418 Elv. Ay, and my colonel too, father:—I am overjoyed!—and are you then acquainted with him?
Dom. Acquainted with him! why, he haunts me up and down; and, I am afraid, it is for love of you; for he pressed a letter upon me, within this hour, to deliver to you. I confess I received it, lest he should send it by some other; but with full resolution never to put it into your hands.
Elv. Oh, dear father, let me have it, or I shall die!
Gom. Whispering still! A pox of your close committee! I'll listen, I'm resolved.[Steals nearer.
Dom. Nay, if you are obstinately bent to see it, use your discretion; but, for my part, I wash my hands of it.—What makes you listening there? get farther off; I preach not to thee, thou wicked eaves dropper.
Elv. I'll kneel down, father, as if I were taking absolution, if you'll but please to stand before me.
Dom. At your peril be it then. I have told you the ill consequences; et liberavi animam meam. Your reputation is in danger, to say nothing of your soul. Notwithstanding, when the spiritual means have been applied, and fail, in that case the carnal may be used. You are a tender child, you are, and must not be put into despair; your heart is as soft and melting as your hand.
[He strokes her face, takes her by the hand, and gives the letter.
Gom. Hold, hold, father, you go beyond your commission; palming is always held foul play amongst gamesters.