Man. If you please to give me leave, my Lord——the fact is thus.—This inclos'd letter to Lady Grace was a real original one, written by this girl, to the Count we have been talking of: the Count drops it, and my Lady Wronghead finds it: then only changing the cover, she seals it up as a letter of business, just written by herself, to me: and pretending to be in a hurry, gets this innocent girl to write the direction, for her.
Lord Town. Oh! then the girl did not know she was superscribing a billet-doux of her own to you?
Man. No, my Lord; for when I first question'd her about the direction, she own'd it immediately: but when I shew'd her that the letter to the Count was within it, and told her how it came into my hands, the poor creature was amazed and thought herself betray'd both by the Count and my Lady——in short, upon this discovery the girl and I grew so gracious, that she has let me into some transactions, in my Lady Wronghead's family, which, with my having a careful eye over them, may prevent the ruin of it.
Lord Town. You are very generous to be so solicitous for a Lady that has given you so much uneasiness.
Man. But I will be most unmercifully reveng'd of her: for I will do her the greatest friendship in the world——against her will.
Lord Town. What an uncommon philosophy art thou master of? to make even thy malice a virtue?
Man. Yet, my Lord, I assure you, there is no one action of my life gives me more pleasure than your approbation of it.
Lord Town. Dear Charles! my heart's impatient, 'till thou art nearer to me: and as a proof that I have long wished thee so: while your daily conduct has chosen rather to deserve than ask my sister's favour; I have been as secretly industrious to make her sensible of your merit: and since on this occasion you have open'd your whole heart to me, 'tis now with equal pleasure, I assure you, we have both succeeded——she is as firmly yours——
Man. Impossible! you flatter me!
Lord Town. I am glad you think it flattery: but she herself shall prove it none: she dines with us alone: when the servants are withdrawn, I'll open a conversation, that shall excuse my leaving you together—O! Charles! had I, like thee, been cautious in my choice, what melancholy hours had this heart avoided!