_Cliff._ [_Breaking open the Letter._] Your lordship shall be informed word for word. [_Upon first sight of the Contents he shows the utmost emotion._] Amazement! do I dream! can it be? who wrote this letter? _Sir C._ Oh! speak out, monsieur, we are all friends. _Chignon._ De true Mademoiselle Alton, whom you charge me to give your letter--she open it--she turn pale--den red--den confuse--den kiss your name--den write, and bid me fly. _Lord G._ Confusion on confusion, what does all this mean? explain. _Cliff._ You must pardon me, I am disconcerted--confounded--thunderstruck --This letter is indeed of a different nature, from that I expected--I am more interested in Miss Alton's fate than your lordship--my perplexity is not to be endured; friend, come with me instantly. [_Exeunt CLIFFORD and CHIGNON._ _Lord G._ Mystery and torture! what am I to collect from this? He interested in the fate of Miss Alton? he her former acquaintance? _Sir C._ Why not--and her dupe also? _Enter a SERVANT._ _Serv._ Is Mr. Clifford gone, sir? _Lord G._ [_Impatiently._] Who wants him? _Serv._ A chairman with a letter, he will not deliver to a servant. _Sir C._ Call the fellow in. [_Exit SERVANT._] Who knows but he may help us in our difficulties? _CHAIRMAN brought in, with a Letter in his Hand._ _Lord G._ [_Still impatiently._] Whom did you bring that letter from? _Chairman._ Please your honour, I don't know; passing through the square, a sash flew up, and down came this letter and half a crown upon my head. It could not have fallen better, there's not a fellow in town more handy than I am, nor, though I say it more cute at private business--So I resolved to deliver it safely--Is your honour's name Clifford? _Lord G._ No, indeed, friend, I am not so happy a man. _Sir C._ [_Aside._] That letter must not be lost though. Here, my friend--I'll take charge of your letter. [_Takes the Letter._] Something for your pains. _Chairman._ God bless your honour, and if you want to send an answer, my number is forty-seven in Bond Street--your honour, I am known by the name of secret Tom. [_Exit._ _Lord G._ What is the use of this deceit? strong as my suspicion is, a seal must be sacred. _Sir C._ Our circumstances make an exception to your rule: when there is treason in the state, wax gives way. [_Takes the Letter, opens and reads it._] 'Faith, this is beyond my expectation--though the mystery is unfathomable, the aptness of it to my purpose is admirable--Gayville--I wish you joy. _Lord G._ Of what?