_Alon._ By your patience, sir; when I have done, you may speak your pleasure. I only lent it to my daughter; but, how she lost it, and how it came upon your finger, I am yet _in tenebris_. _Mel._ Sir---- _Alon._ I know it, sir; but spare yourself the trouble, I'll speak for you; you would say you had it from some other hand; I believe it, sir. _Mel._ But, sir---- _Alon._ I warrant you, sir, I'll bring you off without your speaking;--from another hand you had it; and now, sir, as you say, sir, and as I am saying for you, sir, you are loth to part with it. _Mel._ Good sir,----let me---- _Alon._ I understand you already, sir,--that you have taken a fancy to it, and would buy it; but, to that I answer, as I did before, that it is a relick of my family: Now, sir, if you can urge aught farther, you have liberty to speak without interruption. _Mel._ This diamond you speak of, I confess---- _Alon._ But what need you confess, sir, before you are accused? _Mel._ You promised you would hear me in my turn, sir, but---- _Alon._ But, as you were saying, it is needless, because I have already spoken for you. _Mel._ The truth is, sir, I was too presumptuous to take this pledge from Theodosia without your knowledge; but you will pardon the invincible necessity, when I tell you---- _Alon._ You need not tell me; I know your necessity was the reason of it, and that place and opportunity have caused your error. _Mel._ This is the goodest old man I ever knew; he prevents me in my motion for his daughter. [_Aside._ Since, sir, you know the cause of my errors, and are pleased to lay part of the blame upon youth and opportunity, I beseech you, favour me so far to accept me, as fair Theodosia already has---- _Alon._ I conceive you, sir,--that I would accept of your excuse: Why, restore the diamond, and 'tis done. _Mel._ More joyfully than I received it: And, with it, I beg the honour to be received by you as your son-in-law. _Alon._ My son-in-law! this is the most pleasant proposition I ever heard. _Mel._ I am proud you think it so; but, I protest, I think not I deserve this honour. _Alon._ Nor I, I assure you, sir; marry my daughter--ha, ha, ha! _Mel._ But, sir---- _Alon._ I know what you would say, sir--that there is too much hazard in the profession of a thief, and therefore you would marry my daughter to become rich, without venturing your neck for't. I beseech you, sir, steal on, be apprehended, and, if you please, be hanged, it shall make no breach betwixt us. For my part, I'll keep your counsel, and so, good night, sir. [_Exit_ ALON.