_Theo._ I hope then, learned sir, as you have been curious in enquiring into my secrets, you will be so much a cavalier as to conceal them. _Bel._ You need not doubt me, madam; I am more in your power than you can be in mine: Besides, if I were once known in town, the next thing, for aught I know, would be to bring me before the fathers of the inquisition. _Beat._ Well, madam, what do you think of me now? I have betrayed you, I have sold you! how can you ever make me amends for this imputation? I did not think you could have used me so---- [_Cries, and claps her hands at her._ _Theo._ Nay, pr'ythee, Beatrix, do not cry; I'll leave off my new gown to-morrow, and thou shalt have it. _Beat._ No, I'll cry eternally! you have taken away my good name from me; and you can never make me recompence----except you give me your new gorget too. _Theo._ No more words; thou shalt have it, girl. _Beat._ O, madam, your father has surprised us! _Enter_ DON ALONZO, _and frowns_. _Bel._ Then, I'll begone, to avoid suspicion. _Theo._ By your favour, sir, you shall stay a little; the happiness of so rare an acquaintance ought to be cherished on my side by a longer conversation. _Alon._ Theodosia, what business have you with this cavalier? _Theo._ That, sir, which will make you as ambitious of being known to him as I have been: Under the habit of a gallant, he conceals the greatest astrologer this day living. _Alon._ You amaze me, daughter! _Theo._ For my own part, I have been consulting with him about some particulars of my fortunes past and future; both which he has resolved me with that admirable knowledge---- _Bel._ Yes, faith, sir, I was foretelling her of a disaster that severely threatened her: And--one thing I foresee already by my stars, that I must bear up boldly, or I am lost. [_Aside._ _Mask._ [_To_ BEL.] Never fear him, sir; he's an ignorant fellow, and credulous, I warrant him. _Alon._ Daughter, be not too confident in your belief; there's nothing more uncertain than the old prophecies of these Nostradamusses; but of what nature was the question which you asked him? _Theo._ What should be my fortune in marriage. _Alon._ And, pray, what did you answer, sir? _Bel._ I answered her the truth, that she is in danger of marrying a gentleman without a fortune. _Theo._ And this, sir, has put me in such a fright-- _Alon._ Never trouble yourself about it, daughter; follow my advice, and I warrant you a rich husband. _Bel._ But the stars say she shall not follow your advice: If it happens otherwise, I'll burn my folio volumes, and my manuscripts too, I assure you that, sir. _Alon._ Be not too confident, young man; I know somewhat in astrology myself; for, in my younger years, I studied it; and, though I say it, made some small proficiency in it.