_Charles._ Alas! you know not the mischief you have effected. ’Tis not he who is to blame; he has interfered but to serve me: the lady, who is here concealed, is my wife. _Molly._ (_With mingled astonishment and grief._) Your wife! _Charles._ This precipitate disclosure has rendered abortive our hopes of obtaining pardon from my father. Your malicious curiosity has destroyed the happiness of us all. _Molly._ (_Bursting into tears._) O, Mr. Charles, indeed, indeed, if I had but known——you, who are so good, so kind——. But dont’ee grieve, dont’ee now. I’ll die rather than harm you.—I’ll take all the blame upon myself.—There may yet be time; I’ll run and stop Robin. (_Going._) _Robin._ (_Without._) This way, sir, this way. _Molly._ O, I am indeed an unhappy girl. But, Mr. Charles, dear Mr. Charles, dont’ee be downcast. Leave it to me, I’ll get you through, though I lose my place, I will. (_Hastily wipes her eyes, and assumes an air of composure._) _Enter_ EUSTACE (_in his dressing gown_) _preceded by_ ROBIN. _Robin._ Yes, sir, Molly says you may now be convinced. _Eustace._ So. You here, Charles? _Charles._ Yes, sir, I—I heard a noise, and was fearful—— _Eustace._ ’Tis well; stay where you are: the scene you are about to witness will serve you as a lesson which may last you your life. (_To Robin and Molly._) As for you, if you have called me out of my bed by another such a rigmarole as the last,—— _Robin._ O, no, sir, it is all sure enough this time. (_To Molly, who makes signs to him._) I had trouble enough to persuade master, but he is come at last, you see. _Molly._ Well, and what for? _Robin._ What for! Why, to be sure, you know well enough. The lady, you know. _Molly._ What lady? What is the simpleton talking about? _Robin._ Why the lady that is concealed here. _Molly._ Robin, you have been at the ale-barrel. _Robin._ O, the little gipsey! Didn’t you tell me,— _Molly._ No, it isn’t true. _Robin._ Well, hang me but——. And I suppose you’ll say you didn’t send me to bring master. _Molly._ To be sure I will, for it’s false. _Robin._ And that bonnet— _Molly._ (_Putting it on._) It is mine. Master, there ben’t a true word in all he is telling you. (_Pinches his arm._) Can’t you hold your tongue. _Robin._ Oh!—that isn’t the way to make me. Master, I say again—— _Molly._ And I say, Master,—— _Eustace._ Hold your tongues, both of you. There is some mystery here. The evident alarm of that girl—(_To Molly, who is about to speak._) Silence! (_Takes a candle, and looks into the room at the left hand._) _Charles._ I almost sink with dread. _Molly._ (_To Robin._) I’ve a great mind never to marry you for this. _Eustace._ (_Returns._) No one there. (_Goes to the opposite door._) The door is locked. (_Gives three taps._) _Harriet._ (_Within._) Is that my kind protector?