_Y. Book._ No--kneel down and ask forgiveness. You don't believe that she that would not speak to me would write.--But after all raptures and ecstasies--prithee step after the maid, learn what you can of her fortune, and so forth. Get interest to be admitted another time. [_Exit_ LATINE. _Enter_ FREDERICK. _Fred._ Sir, your servant _Y. Book._ Yours, sir; have you business with me? _Fred._ This paper speaks it. _Y. Book._ [_Reading._] "Of a friend you've made me your mortal enemy. With your sword I expect satisfaction to-morrow morning at six in Hyde Park.--LOVEMORE." Do you know the contents of this letter? _Fred._ Yes, sir, it is a challenge from Lovemore. _Y. Book._ Are you to be his second? _Fred._ I offered it, but he will meet you single. _Y. Book._ The fewer the better cheer. _Fred._ You're very pleasant, sir. _Y. Book._ My good humour was ever challenge-proof. I will be very punctual. [_Exit_ FRED.]--I fall into business very fast. There, thou dear letter of love; be there, thou of hatred. There; men of business must sort their papers.--I fear he saw me put up two letters. _Enter_ LATINE. Oh, Jack, more adventures, another lady has writ. _Lat._ Let's see it. _Y. Book._ No; always tender of rep.--she is of quality--a gentleman usher came with it. I can't believe there's anything in that old whim of being wrapt in one's mother's smock to be thus lucky; I suppose I was used like other children. They clapped me on a skull-cap, swathed me hard, played me in arms, and shewed me London. But however it comes about I have strange luck with the women. _Lat._ But let us see this letter. _Y. Book._ [_Reading._] "No, no--A woman of condition to go so far--But, indeed, your passion, your wit--My page--at the back 'stairs--secrecy, and your veracity----" _Lat._ There her ladyship nicked it. Pox, I'll be as humourous and frolic as you. You pert fellows are the only successful---- _Y. Book._ Well said, lad; and, as Mr. Bayes says,[64] now the plot thickens upon us we'll spend our time as gaily as the best of 'em, and all of it in love-- For since through all the race of man we find, Each to some darling passion is inclined, Let love be still the bias of my mind. [_Exeunt._ ACT THE THIRD. SCENE I.--VICTORIA'S _Lodgings, Covent Garden._ _Enter_ VICTORIA _and_ BETTY. _Vict._ This was, indeed, Betty, a very diverting accident, that I should be employed to write to her lover. Now, I can't but think how angry my cousin Pen is. She frets, I warrant, at her very looking-glass, which used to be her comforter upon all occasions. _Bet._ I would not be in poor Mrs. Lettice's place for all the world. Nothing, to be sure, can please to-day; did you mind how she nestled and fumed inwardly to see your ladyship look so well? Nay, indeed, madam, you were in high beauty. _Vict._ Yet I must confess I was myself a little discomposed. I was ashamed for my friend, and then to see her show such a regard for a fellow!