_Chr._ Indeed I must. For either I was grossly deceived In a manner I cannot believe—I gave them money too— Or else— _Men._ Well, lose no time, I pray: I am less at ease In the matter now, than when you told me first. _Chr._ Indeed I fear you have cause: I’ll go at once. Farewell. [_Exit._ _Men._ Farewell. A silly hoax no doubt. I wish ’twere half as likely That Chremes was wrong about the girl. ’Tis very strange 1019 That he should suddenly take such an active interest In my affairs. I think he’s a little meddlesome, With all his kindness and thought. But that’s the way of the world. [_Exit._ _Re-enter Chremes and Pamphilus._ _Chr._ See Gorgo at once, I say, and get it back if you can. _Pam._ Why, father? _Chr._ I’ll tell you. Clinia your friend is dead. _Pam._ Impossible. _Chr._ No. I have seen two Persians just arrived, Who say he was slain in battle. _Pam._ Does old Menedemus know? _Chr._ He does. _Pam._ And how does he take it? _Chr._ Why? How should he take it? _Pam._ How should I know? The cross old hunks. _Chr._ Stop! Pamphilus. You wrong him; he’s distracted: and now in consequence, 1029 He has made up his mind to adopt that woman. _Pam._ Gorgo? _Chr._ Yes. How can you laugh? _Pam._ Well, if he adopts her, what’s the use Of asking her for the money now? Menedemus will pay. _Chr._ You do, please, as I say. Of course it’s impossible To adopt her: I intimated to him as much, but still He wants to judge for himself. I promised to send her tó him. As soon as the ladies return from the bath explain this tó her. And take her across; at least if I’m not back from town. _Pam._ You go to the town? _Chr._ I have promised to bring these Persians back; We wish to establish the news they brought. They half engaged 1039 To await me here, but it seems they are gone. _Pam._ Can I go fór you? _Chr._ Ay, ay. Yet no. (_aside_) Nay, I shall have to explain to them That I am not Menedemus,—I fear I must go myself. I think I shall not be long. You do as I told you, please; And tell your mother where I am gone. _Pam._ I hope you’ll find them. _Chr._ I shan’t come back without ’em. [_Exit._ _Pam._ (_aside_). Good-bye then, dad, for ever! ACT ·• IV _PAMPHILUS and CLINIA._