_Banks._ Amelia, did you see the young gentleman that was here? Some ruffian fellows, and a posse of the country people have bound and dragged him from the door, on the allegation of three men, who mean to swear he has robbed them; and they have taken him to Lady Amaranth's. _Amelia._ How! He did enter here in confusion as if pursued; but I'll stake my life on his innocence. I'll speak to Lady Amaranth, and in spite of calumny, he shall have justice--he would not let me be insulted, because he saw me an unprotected woman, without a husband or a son, and shall he want an advocate? Brother, come. [_Exeunt._ SCENE IV. LADY AMARANTH'S. _Enter_ JANE, _with a light_. _Jane._ I believe there's not a soul in the house but myself; my lady has sent all the folks round the country to search after the young 'squire, she'll certainly break her heart if any thing happens to him; I don't wonder, for surely he's a dear, sweet gentleman: the pity of it is, his going spoils all our fine play, and I had just got my part quite by heart; however, I must do the room up for Mr. Banks's sister, that my lady has invited here. [_Adjusts her toilet._ _Enter_ EPHRAIM SMOOTH. _Eph._ The man John Dory has carried the man George hither in his arms, and has locked him up. Coming into the house, they did look to me like a blue lobster with a shrimp in his claws--Oh, here is the damsel I love, and alone. _Jane._ They say when folks look in the glass, at night, they see the black gentleman. [_As she is looking in a glass_, EPHRAIM _goes and peeps over her shoulders; she screams_. _Eph._ Thou art employed in vanity. _Jane._ Well, who wants you? _Eph._ It is natural for woman to love man. _Jane._ Yes; but not such ugly men as you are. Why would you come in to frighten me, when you know there's nobody here but ourselves. _Eph._ I am glad of that. I am the elm and thou the honey suckle; let thy arms entwine me. _Jane._ Oh, what a rogue is here! but yonder comes my lady, and I'll show him off to her in his true colours. [_Aside._ _Eph._ Clasp me around. _Jane._ Well, I will, if you'll take off your hat, and make me a fine low bow. _Eph._ I cannot bend my knee, nor take off my beaver. _Jane._ Then you're very impudent--go along. _Eph._ But to win thy favour. [_Takes off his hat, and bows._ _Jane._ Now kneel down to me. _Eph._ I cannot, but one lovely smile may smile me down. [_She smiles, he kneels._ _Jane._ Well, now, read me a speech out of that fine play-book. _Eph._ I read a play! a-bo-mi-na-ti-on!--But, Jane, wilt thou kiss me? _Jane._ I kiss a man! a-bo-mi-na-ti-on! [_Mimicking._] but you may take my hand-- _Eph._ Oh! 'tis a comfort to the lip of the faithful. [_Kisses her hand._ _Enter_ LADY AMARANTH. _Lady Am._ How! [_Taps him gently on the shoulder, he looks up confounded._] Ah, thou sly and deceitful hypocrite! _Eph._ Verily, Mary, I was buffetted by Satan, in the shape of a damsel. _Lady Am._ Begone!