CHREM. You shall soon know.[72] SYR. Stop, stop; what is the reason that there is such a great noise at our door? (_They retire out of sight._) ACT THE FOURTH. SCENE I. _Enter SOSTRATA and a NURSE in haste from the house of CHREMES, and CHREMES and SYRUS on the other side of the stage unperceived._ SOS. (_holding up a ring and examining it._) Unless my fancy deceives me, surely this is the ring which I suspect it to be, the same with which my daughter was exposed. CHREM. (_apart._) Syrus, what is the meaning of these expressions? SOS. {Nurse}, how is it? Does it not seem to you the same? NUR. As for me, I said it was the same the very instant that you showed it me. SOS. But have you now examined it thoroughly, my {dear} nurse? NUR. Thoroughly. SOS. Then go in-doors at once, and if she has now done bathing, bring me word. I’ll wait here in the mean time for my husband. SYR. (_apart._) She wants you, see what it is she wants; she is in a serious mood, I don’t know why; it is not without a cause-- I fear what it may be. CHREM. What it may be? I’ faith, she’ll now surely be announcing some important trifle, with a great parade. SOS. (_turning round._) Ha! my husband! CHREM. Ha! my wife! SOS. I was looking for you. CHREM. Tell me what you want. SOS. In the first place, this I beg of you, not to believe that I have ventured to do any thing contrary to your commands. CHREM. Would you have me believe you in this, although so incredible? {Well,} I will believe you. SYR. (_aside._) This excuse portends I know not what offense. SOS. Do you remember me being pregnant, and yourself declaring to me, most peremptorily, that if I should bring forth a girl, you would not have it brought up. CHREM. I know what you have done, you have brought it up. SYR. (_aside._) Such is the fact, {I’m sure}: my young master has gained a loss[73] in consequence. SOS. Not at all; but there was here an elderly woman of Corinth, of no indifferent character; to her I gave it to be exposed. CHREM. O Jupiter! that there should be such extreme folly in {a person’s} mind. SOS. Alas! what have I done? CHREM. And do you ask the question? SOS. If I have acted wrong, my {dear} Chremes, I have done {so} in ignorance.