_Poly._ I hope then it is the worst half, for really I have suffered— _Charles._ I tremble to avow to you the full extent of my folly, and yet I dare no longer conceal any circumstance of it from you. The urgency of our situation, the danger that awaits us— _Poly._ Come, come, courage; tell me all. _Charles._ Know then, that having become acquainted with a young lady, the orphan daughter of an officer in the army, I grew enamoured of her, was assiduous in my attentions to her, succeeded in winning her affections, and finally— _Poly._ Eh? What!—say no more—Oh! Charles, Charles— _Charles._ Do but hear me to the end of my story. _Poly._ I have heard too much already. And are these the fruits of my instructions? Is it by such wickedness you repay my anxious care of you? _Charles._ You mistake me, sir; if you would but listen— _Poly._ Never expect from me either pardon or indulgence. Had you indeed formed such a bond of union as might without a blush have been acknowledged, it is possible I might— _Charles._ What, sir! would you have sanctioned our marriage? Obtained for us my father’s pardon, his approbation? _Poly._ In that case, perhaps, I would have interfered in your behalf; for marriage is a sacred contract, and must be respected: but, as it is— _Charles._ (_Joyfully._) Then my worthy Mentor, my best of friends, be comforted: I _am_ married. _Poly._ (_Struck with astonishment._) Married! _Charles._ I am, I am. Marriage, as you say, is a sacred contract; and, by your own shewing, you are bound to assist us. _Poly._ Married! So vigilant as I have been, yet has he contrived to—I must at once reveal this to your father. (_Going._) _Charles._ And your oath! _Poly._ Oh! _Charles._ Betray me, and my life, my dear wife’s too, may become a sacrifice. But no, you will not; for your own sake, you dare not. Upon you alone will fall the blame.—Under whose especial care have I been placed? Yours. Whose duty was it to watch over my conduct? Yours. Whose vigilance was at fault when I could contrive a secret marriage? Yours. My father has made you responsible for my actions: _ergo_: it is against you alone that my father will manifest his displeasure at my misconduct. _Poly._ (_His countenance gradually betraying his satisfaction._) The dear boy! He is indebted to me for his logic. Aristotle himself would have been proud of such a pupil. That’s something like conducting an argument. I have not a word to reply. _Charles._ But there is no time to be lost; you must at once decide. If you consent to protect us, we shall for ever consider you our friend—our saviour. You shall pass your days with us; we will be a comfort to your age; our children shall thank you; and, as you moulded their father’s mind, so shall you give the bent to their’s.