WOFF. His wife here! (_To servant_) Shew the lady up stairs! [_Exit Servant._ What does she come here for? TRIP. I don't know, and I wish to heaven she had stayed away! You will retire, of course you will retire? WOFF. No, sir! I will know why she comes to you (_reflects, enters the picture again_). Keep it from me if you can! [_Triplet sinks into a chair, the picture of consternation._] TRIP. (_with a ghastly smile, going very slowly towards the door_). I am going to be in the company of the two loveliest women in England; I would rather be between a lion and a unicorn--like the royal arms. [_A tap at the door._ [_Enter Mabel Vane in hood and cloak, a mask in her hand._] TRIP. Madam! MABEL (_crosses to R. hastily_). See first that I am not followed; that man who pursued me from my husband's house,--look out. TRIP. (_looking through window_). Sir Charles Pomander! he examines the house--his hand is on the knocker--no! he retires! (_he rids her of her hood, mantle, mask, &c._) MABEL. I breathe again (_hastily_). Mr. Triplet, you said I might command your services. TRIP. (_bows_). MABEL. You know this actress you spoke of to-day, Mrs. Woffington? TRIP. (_aside_). Curse it! I am honoured by her acquaintance, madam! MABEL. You will take me to her, to the theatre where she acts? TRIP. But consider, madam! MABEL. You must not refuse me. TRIP. But what can be the use of it? MABEL. I am sure you are true and honest--I will trust you (_Trip. bows_). When you saw me yesterday, I was the happiest woman in the world, for I love my husband; and I thought then he loved me as he used to do. Two days ago I left our country home--I yearned to be by my husband's side; I counted the hours of the journey, the miles, the yards of the road--I reached his house at last--to find that the heart, on which I had so longed to rest my head, was mine no longer. TRIP. Poor thing! poor thing! MABEL. And she who held my place, was the woman--the actress you so praised to me; and now you pity me, do you not; and will not refuse my request? TRIP. But be advised;--do not think of seeking Mrs. Woffington; she has a good heart, but a fiery temper; besides, good heavens! you two ladies are rivals. Have you read the Rival Queens, Madam? MABEL. I will cry to her for justice and mercy;--I never saw a kinder face than this lady's--she must be good and noble! TRIP. She is! I know a family she saved from starvation and despair. MABEL (_seeing Woff. in the picture_). Ah! she is there! see! see! (_she approaches the easel_). TRIP. (_interposing_). Oh, my portrait! you must not go near that, the colours are wet!