_Mary._ He sent me his reasons, by letter, yesterday, sir. He is to be married next week, to a lady of high fortune. His father, he says, insists upon it. I know I am born below him; but after the oaths we plighted, Heaven knows, the news was a sad, sad shock to me! I did not close my eyes last night; my poor brain was burning; and, as soon as day broke, I left the house of my dear father, whom I should tremble to look at, when he discover'd my story;--which I could not long conceal from him. _Pereg._ Poor, lovely, heart-bruised wanderer! O wealthy despoilers of humble innocence! splendid murderers of virtue; who make your vice your boast, and fancy female ruin a feather in your caps of vanity--single out a victim you have abandoned, and, in your hours of death, contemplate her!--view her, care-worn, friendless, pennyless;--hear her tale of sorrows, fraught with her remorse,--her want,--a hard world's scoffs, her parents' anguish;--then, if ye dare, look inward upon your own bosoms; and if they be not conscience proof what must be your compunctions!--Who is his father, child? _Mary._ Sir Simon Rochdale, sir, of the Manor-house, hard by. _Pereg._ [_Surprised._] Indeed! _Mary._ Perhaps you know him, sir? _Pereg._ I have heard of him;--and, on your account, shall visit him. _Mary._ Oh, pray, sir, take care what you do! if you should bring his son into trouble, by mentioning me, I should never, never forgive myself. _Pereg._ Trust to my caution.--Promise only to remain at this house, till I return from a business which calls me, immediately, two miles hence; I will hurry back to pursue measures for your welfare, with more hope of success, than your own weak means, poor simplicity, are likely to effect. What say you? _Mary._ I hardly know what to say, sir--you seem good,--and I am little able to help myself. _Pereg._ You consent, then? _Mary._ Yes, sir. _Pereg._ [_Calling._] Landlord! _Enter DENNIS, from the Door of the House--MRS. BRULGRUDDERY following._ _Dennis._ Did you call, sir?--Arrah, now, Mrs. Brulgruddery, you are peeping after the young woman yourself. _Mrs. Brul._ I chuse it. _Pereg._ Prepare your room, good folks; and get the best accommodation you can for this young person. _Dennis._ That I will, with all my heart and soul, sir. _Mrs. Brul._ [_Sulkily._] I don't know that we have any room at all, for my part. _Dennis._ Whew! She's in her tantrums. _Mrs. Brul._ People of repute can't let in young women (found upon a heath, forsooth), without knowing who's who. I have learn'd the ways of the world, sir.