_Mel._ This is a riddle past my finding out, to send for me, and then to shun me; but here's one shall resolve it for me: Camilla, what dost thou there? _Cam._ Help, help! I shall be carried away bodily. [_She rises up, overthrows the table and lights, and runs out. The scene shuts._ _Mel._ [_Alone_.] Why, Aurelia, Camilla! they are both run out of hearing! this amazes me; what can the meaning of it be? Sure she has heard of my unfaithfulness, and was resolved to punish me by this contrivance! to put an affront upon me by this abrupt departure, as I did on her by my seeming absence. _Enter_ THEODOSIA _and_ BEATRIX. _Theo._ Don Melchor! is it you, my love, that have frighted Aurelia so terribly? _Mel._ Alas, madam! I know not; but, coming hither by your appointment, and thinking myself secure in the night without disguise, perhaps it might work upon her fancy, because she thought me absent. _Theo._ Since 'tis so unluckily fallen out, that she knows you are at Madrid, it can no longer be kept a secret; therefore, you must now pretend openly to me, and run the risk of a denial from my father. _Mel._ O, madam, there's no question but he'll refuse me: For, alas! what is it he can see in me worthy of that honour? Or, if he should be so partial to me, as some in the world are, to think me valiant, learned, and not altogether a fool, yet my want of fortune would weigh down all. _Theo._ When he has refused you his consent, I may with justice dispose of myself; and that, while you are constant, shall never be to any but yourself: In witness of which, accept this diamond, as a pledge of my heart's firmness to you. _Beat._ Madam, your father is coming this way. _Theo._ 'Tis no matter; do not stir: since he must know you are returned, let him now see you. _Enter Don_ ALONZO. _Alon._ Daughter, what make you here at this unseasonable hour? _Theo._ Sir---- _Alon._ I know what you would say, that you heard a noise, and ran hither to see what it might be----Bless us! who is this with you? _Mel._ 'Tis your servant, Don Melchor; just returned from St Sebastians. _Alon._ But, sir, I thought you had been upon the sea for Flanders. _Mel._ I had so designed it. _Alon._ But, why came you back from St Sebastians? _Mel._ As for that, sir, 'tis not material. _Theo._ An unexpected law-suit has called him back from St Sebastians. _Alon._ And how fares my son-in-law, that lives there? _Mel._ In Catholic health, sir. _Alon._ Have you brought no letters from him? _Mel._ I had, sir, but I was set upon by the way, by picarons: and, in spite of my resistance, robbed, and my portmanteau taken from me. _Theo._ And this was that which he was now desiring me to excuse to you. _Alon._ If my credit, friends, or counsel, can do you any service in your suit, I hope you will command them freely.