_Mrs. Blandish._ Our friend's features must succeed in every grace! but never so much as in a quick change of extremes. _Enter SERVANT._ _Serv._ Madam, Lord Gayville desires to know if you are at home? _Miss Als._ A strange formality! _Lady E._ [_Aside._] No brother ever came more opportunely to a sister's relief, "I have fooled it to the top of my bent." _Miss Als._ Desire Miss Alton to come to me. [_Exit SERVANT._] Lady Emily, you must not blame me; I am supporting the cause of our sex, and must punish a lover for some late inattentions--I shall not see him. _Lady E._ Oh cruel! [_Sees MISS ALTON._ _Enter MISS ALTON._ Miss Alscrip, you have certainly the most elegant companion in the world. _Miss Als._ Dear, do you think so? an ungain, dull sort of a body, in my mind; but we'll try her in the present business. Miss Alton, you must do me a favour.--I want to plague my husband that is to be--you must take my part--you must double me like a second actress at Paris, when the first has the vapours. _Miss Alton._ Really, madam, the task you would impose upon me-- _Miss Als._ Will be a great improvement to you, and quite right for me.--Don't be grave, Lady Emily--[_Whose attention is fixed on MISS ALTON._] Your brother's penance shall be short, and I'll take the reconciliation scene upon myself. _Lady E._ [_Endeavouring to recover herself._] I cannot but pity him; especially as I am sure, that do what you will, he will always regard you with the same eyes. And so, my sweet sister, I leave him to your mercy, and to that of your representative, whose disposition, if I have any judgment, is ill suited to a task of severity. _Mrs. Blandish._ Dear Lady Emily, carry me away with you. When a lover is coming, it shall never be said I am in the way. _Lady E._ [_Looking at MISS ALTON.--Aside._] What a painful suspense am I to suffer? another instant, and I shall betray myself--adieu, Miss Alscrip. _Miss Als._ Call Lady Emily's servants. _Lady E._ You sha'n't stir--remember nimini primini. I am at your orders. [_Exit._ _Mrs. Blandish._ I follow you, my sweet volatile. [_Coming back, and squeezing MISS ALSCRIP's Hand, in a half whisper._] She'd give her eyes, to be like you. [_Exit._ _Miss Als._ Now for it, Miss Alton--Only remember that you are doubling me, the woman he adores. _Miss Alton._ Indeed, madam, I am quite incapable of executing your orders to your satisfaction. The utmost I can undertake is a short message. _Miss Als._ Never fear. [_Knock at the Door._] There he comes--Step aside, and I'll give you your very words. [_Exeunt._ _Enter LORD GAYVILLE, conducted by a SERVANT._