_Prompt._ Dear madam, how you continue to misunderstand me--I have a respect for you, that will set at nought all the personal temptations about you, depend upon it, powerful as they are--And as for the young lady, my purpose is only that you shall guard her safe.--I would offer you a pretty snug house in a pleasant quarter of the town, where you two would be much more commodiously lodged--the furniture new, and in the prettiest taste--A neat little sideboard of plate--a black boy, with a turban to wait upon you-- _Mrs. Sagely._ And for what purpose am I to be bribed? I am above it, sirrah. I have but a pittance, 'tis true, and heavy outgoings--My husband's decayed bookkeeper to maintain, and poor old Smiler, that so many years together drew our whole family in a chaise--Heavy charges--but by cutting off my luxuries, and stopping up a few windows, I can jog on, and scorn to be beholden to you, or him that sent you. [_PROMPT tries at the Door, and peeps through the Key-hole._] What would the impertinent fellow be at now? Keep the door bolted, and don't stand in sight. _Prompt._ [_Aside._] Oh! oh!--She is here I find, and that's enough.----My good Mrs. Sagely--your humble servant--I would fain be better acquainted with you--in a modest way--but must wait, I see, a more happy hour. [_Aside, going out._] When honesty and poverty do happen to meet, they grow so fond of each other's company, it is labour lost to try to separate them. [_Exit._ _Mrs. Sagely._ Shut the street door after him, and never let him in again. _Enter MISS ALTON, from the inner Room._ _Miss Alton._ For mercy, madam, let me begone immediately. I am very uneasy--I am certain Mr. Heartly is at the bottom of this. _Mrs. Sagely._ I believe it, my dear, and now see the necessity of your removal. I'll write your letter--and Heaven protect you. Remember my warning, suspect yourself. [_Exit._ _Miss Alton._ In truth I will. I'll forget the forbearance of this profligate, and remember only his intentions. And is gratitude then suspicious? Painful lesson! A woman must not think herself secure because she has no bad impulse to fear: she must be upon her guard, lest her very best should betray her. ACT THE SECOND. SCENE I. _An Apartment in SIR CLEMENT FLINT's House._ _LADY EMILY GAYVILLE and CLIFFORD at Chess._ _SIR CLEMENT sitting at a Distance, pretending to read a Parchment, but slily observing them._ _Lady E._ Check--If you do not take care, you are gone the next move. _Cliff._ I confess, Lady Emily, you are on the point of complete victory. _Lady E._ Pooh, I would not give a farthing for victory without a more spirited defence. _Cliff._ Then you must engage with those (if those there are) that do not find you irresistible.