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SCENE I] THE DOUBLE-DEALER 145
Lady Touch. Well, but go now, here's somebody coming.
Lord Touch. Weil, I go.—You won't stay? for I would
hear more of this. [Exit.
Lady Touch. I follow instantly.—So.
Enter MASKWELL.
Mask. This was a masterpiece, and did not need my
help;—though I stood ready for a cue to come in and
confirm all, had there been occasion.
Lady Touch. Have you seen Mellefont?
Mask. I have; and am to meet him here about this time.
Lady Touch. How does he bear his disappointment?
Mask. Secure in my assistance, he seemed not much
afflicted, but rather laughed at the shallow artifice, which
so little time must of necessity discover. Yet he is apprehensive
of some farther design of yours, and has engaged
me to watch you. I believe he will hardly be able to prevent
your plot, yet I would have you use caution and expedition.
Lady Touch. Expedition indeed; for all we do, must be
performed in the remaining part of this evening, and before
the company break up; lest my lord should cool, and have
an opportunity to talk with him privately.—My lord must
not see him again.
Mask. By no means; therefore you must aggravate my
lord's displeasure to a degree that will admit of no conference
with him,—What think you of mentioning me?
Lady Touch. How?
Mask. To my lord, as having been privy to Mellefont's
design upon you, but still using my utmost endeavours to
dissuade him, though my friendship and love to him has
made me conceal it; yet you may say, I threatened the
next time he attempted anything of that kind, to discover
it to my lord.
Lady Touch. To what end is this?
Mask(. It will confirm my lord's opinion of my honour
and honesty, and create in him a new confidence in me,
which (should this design miscarry) will be necessary to
the forming another plot that I have in my head.—[Aside.]
To cheat you as well as the rest.
Lady Touch. I'll do it—I'll tell him you hindered him
once from forcing me.
Mask. Excellent I your ladyship has a most improving
fancy. You had best go to my lord, keep him as long as