Alv. [Returning.] What the deuce wouldst thou have with me, with thy good-morrows, and thy services?
Lop. This man does not understand good breeding, I find. [Aside.] Why, Sir, my master has some very earnest business with you.
Alv. Business! About what? What business can he have with me?
Lop. I don't know, truly; but 'tis some very important matter: he has just now (as I hear) discover'd some great secret, which he must needs talk with you about.
Alv. Ha! a secret, say'st thou?
Lop. Yes; and bid me bring him word, if you were at home, he'd be with you presently. Sir, your humble servant.
[Exit Lopez.
Alvarez solus.
A secret: and must speak with me about it! Heav'ns, how I tremble! What can this message mean? I have very little acquaintance with him, what business can he have with me? An important secret 'twas, he said, and that he had just discover'd it. Alas, I have in the world but one, if it be that——I'm lost; an eternal blot must fix upon me. How unfortunate am I, that I have not follow'd the honest counsels of my heart, which have often urg'd me to set my conscience at ease, by rendering to him the estate that is his due, and which by a foul imposture I keep from him. But 'tis now too late; my villainy is out, and I shall not only be forc'd with shame to restore him what is his, but shall be perhaps condemned to make him reparation with my own. O terrible view!