_Fain._ Let me come at the intruder on ladies' private hours. The unfashionable monster! I'll prevent all future interruption from him--Let me come. [_Drawing his sword._ _Mrs. Cler._ Oh the brave pretty creature! Look at his youth and innocence--he is not made for such rough encounters. Stand behind me--Poor Fainlove!--There is not a visit in town, sir, where you shall not be displayed at full length for this intrusion. I banish you for ever from my sight and bed. _Cler. Sen._ I obey you, madam, for distance is becoming in no man but a husband [_Giving her the letter, which she reads, and falls into a swoon._]--I've gone too far--[_Kissing her._]--The impertinent was guilty of nothing but what my indiscretion led her to. This is the first kiss I've had these six weeks--but she awakes. Well, Jenny, you topped your part, indeed. Come to my arms, thou ready, willing, fair one. Thou hast no vanities, no niceties; but art thankful for every instant of love that I bestow on thee. [_Embracing her._ _Mrs. Cler._ What, am I then abused? Is it a wench then of his? Oh me! Was ever poor abused wife, poor innocent lady, thus injured! [_Runs and seizes_ FAINLOVE'S _sword._] _Cler. Sen._ Oh the brave pretty creature! Hurt Mr. Fainlove! Look at his youth, his innocence--Ha! ha! [_Interposing._ _Fain._ Have a care, have a care, dear sir--I know by myself she'll have no mercy. _Mrs. Cler._ I'll be the death of her; let me come on. Stand from between us, Mr. Clerimont--I would not hurt you. [_Pushing and crying._ _Cler. Sen._ Run, run, Jenny. [_Exit_ JENNY.] [_Looks at her upbraidingly before he speaks._] Well, madam, are these the innocent freedoms you claimed of me? Have I deserved this? How has there been a moment of yours ever interrupted with the real pangs I suffer? The daily importunities of creditors, who became so by serving your profuse vanities: did I ever murmur at supplying any of your diversions, while I believed 'em (as you call 'em) harmless? Must, then, those eyes that used to glad my heart with their familiar brightness hang down with guilt? Guilt has transformed thy whole person; nay, the very memory of it----Fly from my growing passion! _Mrs. Cler._ I cannot fly, nor bear it. Oh! look not---- _Cler. Sen._ What can you say? Speak quickly. [_Offering to draw._ _Mrs. Cler._ I never saw you moved before. Don't murder me impenitent; I'm wholly in your power as a criminal, but remember I have been so in a tender regard. _Cler. Sen._ But how have you considered that regard? _Mrs. Cler._ Is it possible you can forgive what you ensnared me into? Oh, look at me kindly! You know I have only erred in my intention, nor saw my danger, till, by this honest art, you had shown me what 'tis to venture to the utmost limit of what is lawful. You laid that train, I'm sure, to alarm, not to betray, my innocence. Mr. Clerimont, scorn such baseness! Therefore I kneel--I weep--I am convinced. [_Kneels._ [_Takes her up, embracing her._