MISS P.--Sir, in the name of heaven, pity me! I have to keep my mother and my sisters and my brothers. When--when you saw me, we were in great poverty; and almost all the wretched earnings I made at that time were given to my poor father then lying in the Queen's Bench hard by. You know there was nothing against my character--you know there was not. Ask Captain Touchit whether I was not a good girl. It was he who brought me to this house. K.--Touchit! the old villain! MISS P.--I had your sister's confidence. I tended her abroad on her death-bed. I have brought up your nephew and niece. Ask any one if I have not been honest? As a man, as a gentleman, I entreat you to keep my secret! I implore you for the sake of my poor mother and her children! [kneeling.] K.--By Jove! how handsome you are! How crying becomes your eyes! Get up; get up. Of course I'll keep your secret, but-- MISS P.--Ah! ah! [She screams as he tries to embrace her. HOWELL rushes in.] HOWELL.--Hands off, you little villain! Stir a step and I'll kill you, if you were a regiment of captains! What! insult this lady who kept watch at your sister's death-bed and has took charge of her children! Don't be frightened, Miss Prior. Julia--dear, dear Julia--I'm by you. If the scoundrel touches you, I'll kill him. I--I love you--there--it's here--love you madly--with all my 'art--my a-heart! MISS P.--Howell--for heaven's sake, Howell! K.--Pooh--ooh! [bursting with laughter]. Here's a novel, by jingo! Here's John in love with the governess. Fond of plush, Miss Pemberton--ey? Gad, it's the best thing I ever knew. Saved a good bit, ey, Jeames? Take a public-house? By Jove! I'll buy my beer there. JOHN.--Owe for it, you mean. I don't think your tradesmen profit much by your custom, ex-Cornet Kicklebury. K.--By Jove! I'll do for you, you villain! JOHN.--No, not that way, Captain. [Struggles with and throws him.] K. [screams.]--Hallo, Bulkeley! [Bulkeley is seen strolling in the garden.] Enter BULKELEY. BULKELEY.--What is it, sir? K.--Take this confounded villain off me, and pitch him into the Thames--do you hear? JOHN.--Come here, and I'll break every bone in your hulking body. [To BULKELEY.] BULKELEY.--Come, come! whathever his hall this year row about? MISS P.--For heaven's sake don't strike that poor man. BULKELEY.--YOU be quiet. What's he a-hittin' about my master for? JOHN.--Take off your hat, sir, when you speak to a lady. [Takes up a poker.] And now come on, both of you, cowards! [Rushes at BULKELEY and knocks his hat off his head.] BULKELEY [stepping back].--If you'll put down that there poker, you know, then I'll pitch into you fast enough. But that there poker ain't fair, you know. K.--You villain! of course you will leave this house. And, Miss Prior, I think you understand that you will go too. I don't think my niece wants to learn DANCIN', you understand. Good-by. Here, Bulkeley! [Gets behind footman and exit.]