_L. Dupe._ Truly, my little cousin's the aptest scholar, and takes out love's lessons so exactly, that I joy to see it; She has got already the bond of two thousand pounds sealed for her portion, which I keep for her; a pretty good beginning: 'Tis true, I believe he has enjoyed her, and so let him; Mark Antony wooed not at so dear a price. _Enter, to her_, CHRISTIAN. _Chr._ O madam, I fear I am breeding! _L. Dupe._ A taking wench! but 'tis no matter; have you told any body? _Chr._ I have been venturing upon your foundations, a little to dissemble. _L. Dupe._ That's a good child; I hope it will thrive with thee, as it has with me: Heaven has a blessing in store upon our endeavours. _Chr._ I feigned myself sick, and kept my bed; my lord, he came to visit me, and, in the end, I disclosed it to him, in the saddest passion! _L. Dupe._ This frightened him, I hope, into a study how to cloak your disgrace, lest it should have vent to his lady. _Chr._ 'Tis true; but all the while I subtly drove it, that he should name you to me as the fittest instrument of the concealment; but how to break it to you, strangely does perplex him. He has been seeking you all over the house; therefore, I'll leave your ladyship, for fear we should be seen together. [_Exit._ _L. Dupe._ Now I must play my part; Nature, in women, teaches more than art. _Enter Lord._ _Lord._ Madam, I have a secret to impart; a sad one too, and have no friend to trust, but only you. _L. Dupe._ Your lady, or your children, sick? _Lord._ Not that I know. _L. Dupe._ You seem to be in health. _Lord._ In body, not in mind. _L. Dupe._ Some scruple of conscience, I warrant; my chaplain shall resolve you. _Lord._ Madam, my soul's tormented. _L. Dupe._ O take heed of despair, my lord! _Lord._ Madam, there is no medicine for this sickness, but only you; your friendship's my safe haven, else I am lost, and shipwrecked. _L. Dupe._ Pray tell me what it is. _Lord._ Could I express it by sad sighs and groans, or drown it with myself in seas of tears, I should be happy,--would, and would not tell. _L. Dupe._ Command whatever I can serve you in; I will be faithful still to all your ends, provided they be just and virtuous. _Lord._ That word has stopt me. _L. Dupe._ Speak out, my lord, and boldly tell what 'tis. _Lord._ Then, in obedience to your commands; your cousin is with child. _L. Dupe._ Which cousin? _Lord._ Your cousin Christian, here in the house. _L. Dupe._ Alas! then she has stolen a marriage, and undone herself: Some young fellow, on my conscience, that's a beggar; youth will not be advised: well, I'll never meddle more with girls; one is no more assured of them, than grooms of mules; they'll strike when least one thinks on't: But pray, your lordship, what is her choice then for a husband? _Lord._ She----is not married, that I know of, madam.