_Blandish._ If you ask me for news, the latest is, that Clifford has been detected in a clandestine intercourse with the object of Lord Gayville's secret passion; that he has betrayed the confidence of his friend and patron, and actually carried her off. [_Aside._] Which, Gayville knows by this time, with all its aggravations, or Prompt has not been as active as he used to be. _Lady E._ [_With Emotion._] Blandish, this is a poor project. Clifford treacherous to his friend? You might as soon make me believe Gayville dispassionate, my uncle charitable, or you ingenuous. _Blandish._ His conduct does not rest upon opinion, but proof; and when you know it, you must think of him with aversion. _Lady E._ Must I? Then don't let me hear a word more--I have aversions enough already-- [_Peevishly._ _Blandish._ It is impossible you can apply that word to one whose only offence is to adore you. [_Kisses her Hand._ _Enter CLIFFORD._ _Cliff._ [_Aside, surprised._] Blandish so favoured? _Lady E._ [_Aside._] Perverse accident: what mistakes now will he make! _Blandish._ [_Aside._] The enemy has surprised me--but the only remedy in such emergences, is to show a good countenance. _Cliff._ I fear I have been guilty of an unpardonable intrusion. _Blandish._ Mr. Clifford never can intrude; but though you had not come so apropos yourself--Lady Emily will bear testimony, I have not spared my pains to remove any prejudices she might have entertained. _Lady E._ Had you not better repeat in your own words, Mr. Blandish, all the obliging things you have said of this gentleman? _Cliff._ It is not necessary, madam--if without robbing you of moments that I perceive are precious-- _Lady E._ Sir? _Cliff._ I might obtain a short audience-- [_Looking at BLANDISH._ _Blandish._ [_Aside._] He's devilish impudent--but he cannot soon get over facts, and I'll take care the conference shall not be long. [_To LADY EMILY._]--Lady Emily; hear Mr. Clifford, and judge if I have misrepresented him--[_To CLIFFORD._] When you want a friend, you know where to find him. [_Exit._ _Lady E._ This is an interview, Mr. Clifford, that I desire not to be understood to have authorized. It is not to me, you are accountable for your actions--I have no personal interest in them. _Cliff._ I know it well. _Lady E._ [_Peevishly._] Do not run away with the notion neither, that I am therefore interested in any other person's--You have among you vexed and disconcerted me, but there is not a grain of partiality in all my embarrassment--if you have any eyes, you may see there is not. _Cliff._ Happy Blandish! your triumph is evident.