_Mrs. Sagely._ And tell me truly now; do you feel the same detestation for this worse character you have made acquaintance with? This rake--this abominable Heartly?----Ah, child, your look is suspicious. _Miss Alton._ Madam, I have not a thought, that I will not sincerely lay open to you. Mr. Heartly is made to please, and to be avoided; I resent his attempts, and desire never to see him more--his discovery of me here; his letters, his offers have greatly alarmed me. I conjure you lose not an hour in placing me under the sort of protection I solicited. _Mrs. Sagely._ If you are resolved, I believe I can serve you. Miss Alscrip, the great heiress, (you may have heard of the name in your family) has been inquiring among decayed gentry for a companion. She is too fine a lady to bear to be alone, and perhaps does not look to a husband's company as a certain dependence. Your musical talents will be a great recommendation--She is already apprized, and a line from me will introduce you. _Miss Alton._ I will avail myself of your kindness immediately. _Prompt._ [_Without._] I tell you I have business with Mrs. Sagely--I must come in. _Mrs. Sagely._ As I live here is an impudent fellow forcing himself into the passage! _Miss Alton._ Oh Heaven! if Mr. Heartly should be behind! _Mrs. Sagely._ Get into the back parlour; be he who he will, I'll warrant I protect you. [_Exit MISS ALTON._ _Enter PROMPT._ [_Looking about._] _Mrs. Sagely._ Who are you, sir? What are you looking for? _Prompt._ Madam, I was looking----I was looking--for you. _Mrs. Sagely._ Well, sir, and what do you want. _Prompt._ [_Still prying about._] Madam, I want----I want--I want-- _Mrs. Sagely._ To rob the house, perhaps. _Prompt._ Just the contrary, Madam--to see that all is safe within it.--You have a treasure in your possession that I would not have lost for the world--A young lady. _Mrs. Sagely._ Indeed!--begone about your business, friend--there are no young ladies to be spoke with here. _Prompt._ Lord, madam, I don't desire to speak with her--My attentions go to ladies of the elder sort--I come to make proposals to you alone. _Mrs. Sagely._ You make proposals to me? Did you know my late husband, sir? _Prompt._ Husband! My good Mrs. Sagely--be at ease--I have no more views upon you, that way, than upon my grandmother--My proposals are of a quite different nature. _Mrs. Sagely._ Of a different nature? Why you audacious varlet! Here, call a constable--