MISS COY. (R.) Look at the "Weekly Tell-tale," you are drawn there in your true colors. A run-away Opera dancer, and an insolvent boarding-house keeper, are not the most desirable connexions for any young bachelor. MISS MAC. (C.) Pray, madam, which may I be; the dancer or the housekeeper? MISS COY. Whichever you prefer, madam. MISS MAC. Oh! the villiany of the world. This, sir, must be some of _your_ malice. _(To DAMPER.)_ DAM. No, no, I wish it was. CHE. _(To MISS MEADOWS.)_ There, now we are both surrounded by mystery. MISS MEA. A greater reason than ever that we part. CHE. A greater reason than ever that we should be the defenders of one another. Let slander do its worst--I repeat it aloud--let slander do its worst; for then is the time that we should surround our friends and defeat its malice. Then is the hour that the lover should be the more devoted; and, I here prove my devotion, by proclaiming before you all, that, let these ladies be under the worst of imputations, I am proud of the friendship of one, and shall be but too happy, to test my love for the other, by being her husband as soon as she will bestow upon me that happy title. MISS MEA. Ah! do I find myself surpassed in generosity; then, indeed, we are friends once more. _(Giving him her hand.)_ CHE. (L.) There you fluctuating bachelor, _(To NIGGLE.)_ when you wish to prove your affection, listen not to every idle tale, shrink at every paltry inuendo; but advance to the rescue of your ladies fame. Come, Miss Macaw, never heed slanderers, the ripest and the richest fruit is ever the most pecked. _(Taking the arms of MISS MACAW and MISS MEADOWS in his own.)_ Come, ladies, I will accompany you home. Mother! _(To MISS COY.)_ since they will have it so, when you have fought your good fight, you know where to find me. Come, ladies; Miss Snare, good evening to you, thanks for your hospitality and its happy results. [_Exeunt with MISS MACAW and MISS MEADOWS._ NIG. He's right, he's right, this is the time that I ought to prove my love, if I have any. DAM. You _will_ rush into danger. NIG. _(Passing DAMPER.)_ Oh, Miss Coy, whoever that young man may be, his sentiments do honour to his heart. I have been weak, but---- MISS COY. Nay, sir, your penitence is useless now, circumstances have occurred since yesterday, that make the division between us wider than ever. NIG. What circumstances? MISS COY. There is no necessity for explanation; you are free to rove where you will, and may the next confiding creature that accepts your proposal be more fortunate than I have been. _(Going.)_ NIG. Nay, nay, don't go, dear, don't go. Damper, I must be married: think of the delights of a domestic temple of repose--a cheerful wife. MISS COY. Ah, sir, strike the balance between celibacy and matrimony, I will assist you. Go on, sir,--a cheerful wife---- NIG. Angelic! DAM. Sometimes cross as the devil. NIG. Ah, true! MISS COY. Dear, rosy children welcoming your return home.