MISTRESS MERTON Yea, that waistcoat; ’tis the very one, I know it too well. And you see it accounts for all,—this silly impostor lord; my brother’s strange patronage of him; the blackmail of this Master Dickonson—
RICHARD But who is he?
MISTRESS MERTON Nay, heaven knows! Some old crony perchance of Gilead’s youth; some confederate of this woman Rickby.
RICHARD O God!—And Rachel sacrificed to these impostors; to an illegitimate—your brother would allow it!
MISTRESS MERTON Ah! but think of his own reputation, Richard. He a justice—the family honour!
RICHARD ’Tis enough. Well, and I must see this Goody Rickby, you think?
MISTRESS MERTON At once—at once. My brother has invited guests for this afternoon to meet “his lordship”! Return, if possible, before they come. She dwells at the blacksmith shop—you must buy her off. Oh, gold will buy her; ’tis the gold they’re after—all of them; have her recall both these persons. [Giving a purse.] Take her that, Richard, and promise her more.
RICHARD [Proudly.] Keep it, Mistress Merton. I have enough gold, methinks, for my future wife’s honour; or if not, I will earn it. [Exit.]
MISTRESS MERTON Richard! Ah, the dear lad, he should have taken it.
[Enter Micah.]