_Lord G._ The utmost I could obtain was leave to put her into a hackney coach, which I followed unperceived, and lodged her in the house of an obscure milliner, in a bye street, whose favour was soon conciliated by a few guineas. I almost lived in the house; and often, when I was not suspected to be there, passed whole hours listening to a voice, that would have captivated my very soul, though it had been her only attraction. At last---- _Cliff._ What is to follow? _Lord G._ By the persuasions of the woman, who laughed at my scruples with an unknown girl, a lodger upon a second floor, I hid myself in the closet of her apartment: and the practised trader assured me, I had nothing to fear from the interruption of the family. _Cliff._ Oh, for shame, my lord! whatever may be the end of your adventure, such means were very much below you. _Lord G._ I confess it, and have been punished. Upon the discovery of me, fear, indignation, and resolution, agitated the whole frame of the sweet girl by turns.--I should as soon have committed sacrilege, as have offered an affront to her person.--Confused--overpowered--I stammered out a few incoherent words--Interest in her fortune--respect --entreaty of forgiveness--and left her, to detest me. _Cliff._ You need go no farther. I meant to rally you, but your proceedings and emotion alarm me for your peace and honour. You are on a double precipice; on one side impelled by folly, on the other-- _Lord G._ Hold, Clifford, I am not prepared for so much admonition. Your tone is changed since our separation; you seem to drop the companion, and assume the governor. _Cliff._ No, my lord, I scorn the sycophant, and assert the friend. _Enter SERVANT, followed by BLANDISH._ _Serv._ My lord, Mr. Blandish. [_Exit._ _Cliff._ [_Significantly._] I hope every man will do the same. _Blandish._ Mr. Clifford, do not let me drive you away--I want to learn your power to gain and to preserve dear Lord Gayville's esteem. _Cliff._ [_With a seeming Effort to withdraw his Hand, which BLANDISH holds._] Sir, you are quite accomplished to be an example.-- _Blandish._ I have been at your apartment, to look for you--we have been talking of you with Sir Clement--Lady Emily threw in her word.-- _Cliff._ [_Disengaging his Hand._] Oh, sir, you make me too proud. [_Aside._] Practised parasite! [_Exit._ _Blandish._ [_Aside._] Sneering puppy.----[_To LORD GAYVILLE._] My lord, you seem disconcerted; has any thing new occurred? _Lord G._ No, for there is nothing new in being disappointed in a friend. _Blandish._ Have you told your story to Mr. Clifford? _Lord G._ I have, and I might as well have told it to the cynic my uncle: he could not have discouraged or condemned me more.