TOM. Yes, and Reginald de Mowbray is a much prettier name than Ralph Reckless, but where was I? Oh, a feigned name. Well, the young lady's governess finds out the correspondence, and very properly sends her to her guardians, who takes her into the country, also very properly; give up this scheme, sir-- RECK. Not I; when I have found the retreat of my charmer, the cavern where the treasure is hid, shall I be craven knight enough to fear the dragon that guards it? No, man, not I--so if you have not better advice to give, we'll change the subject. What the devil is that great basket for? TOM. What? oh, that is an affair of the heart; you have confided all your tender secrets to me, therefore I will do the same to you, sir, if you will allow me. RECK. Certainly, good Thomas, go on. TOM. Why, a sort of a relation of mine--a grocer, died the other day, without a will, and his stock in trade got divided among six of us. I have borrowed this large crate from Delfs, the crockery-warehouseman, to stow my share in; and am thinking I could not do the genteel thing better, (as my sweetheart Fanny's in service, and has to find such articles out of her wages,) than to make her a delicate present of the groceries, to sweeten my progress in her affections--eh, sir? RECK. Delicate indeed! that I should have so gallant a man in my service; and where does this happy maiden reside? TOM. You see that white house, the other side of the water? one of those houses in the water. RECK. What! the white one? TOM. Yes, she is housemaid there. RECK. Oh! ha, ha, ha! Ri tol de rol. (_dances._) TOM. Hey day. Did you tell me to order a straight waistcoat, sir? RECK. No! tol de rol, I have a thought-- TOM. Why, you do look remarkable thoughtful. RECK. You see these three bright gold sovereigns? TOM. Yes, sir! perhaps you will allow me to _feel_ them too? RECK. So I will, Tom, on one condition! send _me_ in that basket instead of the grocery, and carry me to the house where my Julia is secluded. TOM. Well, sir, but what will Fanny say? RECK. Never mind her, there shall be a genteel note pinned outside the basket, explaining the contents. Then, I'll give her a couple of sovereigns, so pack up and be gone. [_Exeunt L. H., TOM dragging the hamper._ SCENE II.--_A parlour.--In centre of stage a sofa, capable of being made into a bed. At the back a globe, covered with a glazed cover. A dining table and chair. A cupboard to open at top and bottom, R.--A large window to open, L._ (_MRS. FACILE, with a pestle and mortar, and JULIA, R. H., discovered._ MRS. F. Really, my dear, the best advice I can give you, is to employ yourself about something, it will divert your mind. JULIA. Divert? I don't want to be diverted, I want to be miserable; it's very unkind of you to try to console me. MRS. F. I can only say I mean well, and I believe your guardian means well.