[Reading in the parchment.

She has love letters in a little jar

On the high shelf between the pepper-pot

And wood-cased hour-glass.

THE WOMAN.

O, the scandalous parchment!

FIRST MERCHANT [reading].

She hides them from her husband, who buys horses,

And is not much at home. You are almost safe.

I give you fifty crowns.[She turns to go.