ime agent of villainy?

_Clerk._ I pity you: but remember, I have persons with me, and full
power to check all resistance; therefore take my advice, and go.

_Mr. R._ I will go--but, thou fellow! yes, I wilt go, and if I can only
see Philip---- [Exit.

_Mrs. D._ Oh, Sir! if ever you loved--if ever you trembled for an
unfortunate wife, for a brother, or for a child--then feel my
affliction; be softened, and let me go to my husband.

_Clerk._ Madam, I have orders to examine you, touching a certain point.
The means of discovering truth I have at hand. Sincerity and
submission, will be your best choice.

_Mrs. D._ What must I tell? quickly--I beg.

_Clerk._ If you satisfy me entirely, I promise you shall see Mr. Drave.

_Mrs. D._ But your questions?

_Clerk._ You shall be allowed to remain with him, if you desire it.

_Mrs. D._ Were he in the grave I should desire it. Quick--your
questions.

_Clerk._ Well--who is here in the house?

_Mrs. D._ Here?

_Clerk._ A stranger.

_Mrs. D._ A stranger?

_Clerk._ Of acquaintance rather.

_Mrs. D._ [at a loss]. I think not.

_Clerk_ [harshly]. No evasion, Madam! That he is in the house, I know:
where is he?

_Mrs. D._ Sir!

_Clerk._ Answer! where is he? My attendants can open doors, and
concealment will be dangerous. Where is he?

_Mrs. D._ [sits down]. Up stairs.

_Clerk_ [going]. Alone, or somebody with him?

_Mrs. D._ Mr. Brook and his son are with him.

_Clerk._ His son? what do you mean?

_Mrs. D._ The Counsellor.

_Clerk._ What Counsellor?

_Mrs. D._ Do not torment me so.--Counsellor Fleffel.

_Clerk._ So; My Lord has doubtless come to examine himself. Did he say
any thing?

_Mrs. D._ No!

_Clerk._ Is there no fourth person with him? no old man?

_Mrs. D._ No! yes! Oh, torture me no more!

_Clerk._ I shall examine--do you remain here, Madam. [Exit.

_Mrs. D._ [goes up to the door and calls]. Augusta! Frederick! Augusta!

Enter AUGUSTA and FREDERICK.

_Mrs. D._ What an accident! The Chancellor's clerk is here, in search
of the old man. I misunderstood him, and told him the Chancellor was
here; he is gone up stairs. Frederick, see if the house be free; we
must save the old man. [Exit Serv.

_Augusta._ Have you heard of my father?

_Mrs. D._ No, good God! no!--The old man, how is he? does he sleep?

_Augusta._ So softly, so quietly! Alas! it is long, I fear, since he
has slept so.

_Mrs. D._ Wake him; h