SCENE II.--_Charing Cross.

_Enter_ MR. SEALAND _and_ HUMPHRY.

_Mr. Seal._ I am very glad, Mr. Humphry, that you agree with me that it is for our common good I should look thoroughly into this matter.

_Humph._ I am, indeed, of that opinion; for there is no artifice, nothing concealed, in our family, which ought in justice to be known. I need not desire you, sir, to treat the lady with care and respect.

_Mr. Seal._ Master Humphry, I shall not be rude, though I design to be a little abrupt, and come into the matter at once, to see how she will bear upon a surprise.

_Humph._ That's the door, sir; I wish you success.--[_While_ HUMPHRY _speaks,_ SEALAND _consults his table book._]--I am less concerned what happens there, because I hear Mr. Myrtle is well lodged as old Sir Geoffry; so I am willing to let this gentleman employ himself here, to give them time at home; for I am sure 'tis necessary for the quiet of our family Lucinda were disposed of out of it, since Mr. Bevil's inclination is so much otherwise engaged. [_Exit._

_Mr. Seal._ I think this is the door. [_Knocks._] I'll carry this matter with an air of authority, to inquire, though I make an errand, to begin discourse. [_Knocks again, and enter a foot-boy._] So young man! is your lady within?

_Boy._ Alack, sir! I am but a country boy--I dant know whether she is or noa; but an you'll stay a bit, I'll goa and ask the gentlewoman that's with her.

_Mr. Seal._ Why, sirrah, though you are a country boy, you can see, can't you? You know whether she is at home, when you see her, don't you?

_Boy._ Nay, nay, I'm not such a country lad neither, master, to think she's at home because I see her. I have been in town but a month, and I lost one place already for believing my own eyes.

_Mr. Seal._ Why, sirrah! have you learnt to lie already?

_Boy._ Ah, master! things that are lies in the country are not lies at London. I begin to know my business a little better than so--But an you please to walk in, I'll call a gentlewoman to you that can tell you for certain--she can make bold to ask my lady herself.

_Mr. Seal._ Oh! then, she is within, I find, though you dare not say so.

_Boy._ Nay, nay! that's neither here nor there: what's matter whether she is within or no, if she has not a mind to see anybody?

_Mr. Seal._ I can't tell, sirrah, whether you are arch or simple; but, however, get me a direct answer, and here's a shilling for you.

_Boy._ Will you please to walk in; I'll see what I can do for you.

_Mr. Seal._ I see you will be fit for your business in time, child; but I expect to meet with nothing but extraordinaries in such a house.

_Boy._ Such a house! Sir, you han't seen it yet. Pray walk in.

_Mr. Seal._ Sir, I'll wait upon you. [_Exeunt._