_Susan._ Nobody, but such a wicked creature as you, could ever invent such scandalous tales, to the ruin of a poor Youth, who has unhappily fallen into his Lord’s disgrace. _Basil._ I invent! Why it is in every body’s mouth. (_The Count discovers himself, and comes forward._) _Count._ How! In every body’s mouth! _Basil._ Zounds. _Count._ Run, Basil, let him have fifty pistoles and a horse given him, and sent back to his friends instantly. _Basil._ I’m very sorry, my Lord, I happened to speak-- _Susan._ I’m quite suffocated. (_Susan seems almost ready to faint, the Count supports her, and Basil assists._) _Count._ Let us seat her in this great chair, Basil. _Susan._ (_Frightened, and exclaims_) No!--I won’t sit down!----(_After a pause_)--This wicked fellow has ruined the poor boy. _Basil._ I assure you, my Lord, what I said, was only meant to sound Susan. _Count._ No matter, he shall depart! A little, wanton, impudent Rascal, that I meet at every turning--No longer ago than yesterday I surprised him with the Gardener’s daughter. _Basil._ Agnes? _Count._ In her very bed-chamber. _Susan._ Where my Lord happened to have business himself. _Count._ Hem!--I was going there to seek your uncle Antonio, Susan, my drunken Gardener; I knock’d at the door, and waited some time; at last Agnes came, with confusion in her countenance--I entered, cast a look round, and perceiving a kind of long Cloak, or Curtain, or some such thing, approach’d, and without seeming to take the least notice, drew it gently aside, thus--Hey! _Basil._ Zounds! (_The Count, during his speech, approaches the arm chair, and acting his description draws aside the gown that hides the Page. They all stand motionless with surprise, for some time._) _Count._ Why, this is a better trick than t’other! _Basil._ No!--I won’t sit down! (_Mimicking Susan._) _Count._ (_To Susan_) And so it was to receive this pretty Youth, that you were so desirous of being alone--And you, you little Villain, what you don’t intend to mend your manners then? But forgetting all respect for your friend Figaro, and for the Countess your Godmother, likewise, you are endeavouring here to seduce her favourite woman! I, however (_turning towards Basil_) shall not suffer Figaro, a man--whom--I _esteem--sincerely_--to fall the Victim of such deceit--Did he enter with you, Basil? _Basil._ No, my Lord. _Susan._ There is neither Victim nor deceit in the case, my Lord. He was here when you entered. _Count._ I hope that’s false: his greatest Enemy could not wish him so much mischief. _Susan._ Knowing that you were angry with him, the poor Boy came running to me, begging me to solicit my Lady in his favor, in hopes she might engage you to forgive him; but was so terrified, as soon as he heard you coming, that he hid himself in the great Chair. _Count._ A likely story--I sat down in it, as soon as I came in.