_Bev. Jun._ Dear Myrtle, I am as much obliged to you for the cause of your suspicion, as I am offended at the effect; but, be assured, I am taking measures for your certain security, and that all things with regard to me will end in your entire satisfaction. _Myrt._ Well, I'll promise you to be as easy and as confident as I can, though I cannot but remember that I have more than life at stake on your fidelity. [_Going._ _Bev. Jun._ Then depend upon it, you have no chance against you. _Myrt._ Nay, no ceremony, you know I must be going. [_Exit_ MYRT. _Bev. Jun._ Well, this is another instance of the perplexities which arise, too, in faithful friendship. We must often in this life go on in our good offices, even under the displeasure of those to whom we do them, in compassion to their weaknesses and mistakes.--But all this while poor Indiana is tortured with the doubt of me. She has no support or comfort but in my fidelity, yet sees me daily pressed to marriage with another. How painful, in such a crisis, must be every hour she thinks on me! I'll let her see at least my conduct to her is not changed. I'll take this opportunity to visit her; for though the religious vow I have made to my father restrains me from ever marrying without his approbation, yet that confines me not from seeing a virtuous woman that is the pure delight of my eyes and the guiltless joy of my heart. But the best condition of human life is but a gentler misery-- To hope for perfect happiness is vain, And love has ever its allays of pain. [_Exit._ SCENE II.--INDIANA'S _Lodgings._ _Enter_ ISABELLA _and_ INDIANA. _Isab._ Yes, I say 'tis artifice, dear child. I say to thee again and again 'tis all skill and management. _Ind._ Will you persuade me there can be an ill design in supporting me in the condition of a woman of quality? attended, dressed, and lodged like one; in my appearance abroad and my furniture at home, every way in the most sumptuous manner, and he that does it has an artifice, a design in it? _Isab._ Yes, yes. _Ind._ And all this without so much as explaining to me that all about me comes from him! _Isab._ Ay, ay, the more for that. That keeps the title to all you have the more in him. _Ind._ The more in him! He scorns the thought---- _Isab._ Then he--he--he----