Wood. But Limberham will return immediately, when he finds not his mistress where he thought he left her.

Brain. Friendship, which has done much, will yet do more. [Shows a key.] With this passe par tout, I will instantly conduct her to my own chamber, that she may out-face the keeper, she has been there; and, when my wife returns, who is my slave, I will lay my conjugal commands upon her, to affirm, they have been all this time together.

Wood. I shall never make you amends for this kindness, my dear Padron.  But would it not be better, if you would take the pains to run after Limberham, and stop him in his way ere he reach the place where he thinks he left his mistress; then hold him in discourse as long as possibly you can, till you guess your wife may be returned, that so they may appear together?

Brain. I warrant you:  laissez faire a Marc Antoine. [Exit.

Wood. Now, madam, you may venture out in safety.

Mrs Brain. [Entering.] Pray heaven I may. [Noise.

Wood. Hark!  I hear Judith’s voice:  it happens well that she’s returned:  slip into your chamber immediately, and send back the gown.

Mrs Brain. I will:—­but are not you a wicked man, to put me into all this danger? [Exit.

Wood. Let what can happen, my comfort is, at least, I have enjoyed.  But this is no place for consideration.  Be jogging, good Mr Woodall, out of this family, while you are well; and go plant in some other country, where your virtues are not so famous. [Going.

  Enter TRICKSY, with a box of writings.

Trick. What, wandering up and down, as if you wanted an owner?  Do you know that I am lady of the manor; and that all wefts and strays belong to me?

Wood. I have waited for you above an hour; but friar Bacon’s head has been lately speaking to me,—­that time is past.  In a word, your keeper has been here, and will return immediately; we must defer our happiness till some more favourable time.

Trick. I fear him not; he has this morning armed me against himself, by this settlement; the next time he rebels, he gives me a fair occasion of leaving him for ever.

Wood. But is this conscience in you? not to let him have his bargain, when he has paid so dear for it?

Trick. You do not know him:  he must perpetually be used ill, or he insults.  Besides, I have gained an absolute dominion over him:  he must not see, when I bid him wink.  If you argue after this, either you love me not, or dare not.

Wood. Go in, madam:  I was never dared before.  I’ll but scout a little, and follow you immediately. [TRICK. goes in.] I find a mistress is only kept for other men:  and the keeper is but her man in a green livery, bound to serve a warrant for the doe, whenever she pleases, or is in season.