_Lady E._ Blandish, the odious creature--He is my abhorrence--You are hardly worse yourself in my bad opinion, though you have done so much more to deserve it. _Cliff._ How cruel are the circumstances that compel me to leave you under these impressions!--nay--more--at such a time to urge a request, that during your most favourable thoughts of me would have appeared strange if not presumptuous.--This is the key of my apartment. It contains a secret that the exigency of the hour obliged me, against inclination or propriety, to lodge there. Should Sir Clement return before me, I implore you to prevent his discovery, and give to what you find within, your confidence and protection. Lord Gayville--but I shall go too far--the most anxious event of my life presses on me. I conjure you to comply, by all the compassion and tenderness nature has treasured in your heart--not for me--but for occasions worthy their display. Pray take it. [_Gives the Key, which she receives with some reluctance and exit._ _Lady E._ Heigho!--It's well, he's gone without insisting on my answer: I was in a sad flutter of indecision. What mysterious means he takes to engage me in a confidence which I could not directly accept!--I am to find a letter, I suppose--the story of his heart--Its errors and defence--My brother's name, also--to furnish me with a new interest in the secret, and one I might avow--One may dislike this art, but must be sensible of his delicacy----Ah, when these two qualities unite in a man, I am afraid he is an overmatch for the wisest of us--Hark!--sure that is the sound of my uncle's coach--[_Looks out of the Window._] 'Tis he--and now for the secret--Curiosity! innate irresistible principle in womankind, be my excuse, before I dare question my mind upon other motives. [_Exit._ SCENE IV. _Another Apartment._ _Enter LADY EMILY._ _Lady E._ Oh, lud! I could hardly tremble more at opening this man's apartment, were there a possibility of finding him within side. How do people find courage to do a wrong thing, when an innocent discovery cannot be prosecuted without such timidity? [_Approaches the Door timidly, and unlocks it._ _Enter MISS ALTON._ Amazement! Miss Alton! what is all this? _Miss Alton._ Madam, I was brought here, for an hour's concealment; who I really am, I would not, if possible to avoid it, divulge in this house. When you saw me last, you honoured me with a favourable opinion--My story, not explained at full, might subject me to doubts, that would shake your candour. _Lady E._ What shall I do?--She is pale, and ready to faint--I cannot let her be exposed in such a situation.--Retire--you may rely upon me for present security--You know best your pretensions to my future opinion.--[_Hearing SIR CLEMENT._]--Begone, or you are discovered. [_Shuts her in, and locks CLIFFORD's Door._ _Enter SIR CLEMENT._