Enter JUDITH, with the Night-gown.

Jud. Still you’re a lucky man!  Mr Brainsick has been exceeding honourable:  he ran, as if a legion of bailiffs had been at his heels, and overtook Limberham in the street.  Here, take the gown; lay it where you found it, and the danger’s over.

Wood. Speak softly; Mrs Tricksy is returned. [Looks in.] Oh, she’s gone into her closet, to lay up her writings:  I can throw it on the bed, ere she perceive it has been wanting. [Throws it in.

Jud. Every woman would not have done this for you, which I have done.

Wood. I am sensible of it, little Judith; there’s a time to come shall pay for all.  I hear her returning:  not a word; away.
          
                                             [Exit JUDITH.

  Re-enter TRICKSY.

Trick. What, is a second summons needful? my favours have not been so cheap, that they should stick upon my hands.  It seems, you slight your bill of fare, because you know it; or fear to be invited to your loss.

Wood. I was willing to secure my happiness from interruption.  A true soldier never falls upon the plunder, while the enemy is in the field.

Trick. He has been so often baffled, that he grows contemptible.  Were he here, should he see you enter into my closet; yet—­

Wood. You are like to be put upon the trial, for I hear his voice.

Trick. ’Tis so:  go in, and mark the event now:  be but as unconcerned, as you are safe, and trust him to my management.

Wood. I must venture it; because to be seen here would have the same effect, as to be taken within.  Yet I doubt you are too confident.
          
                                              [He goes in.

  Enter LIMBERHAM and BRAINSICK.

Limb. How now, Pug? returned so soon!

Trick. When I saw you came not for me, I was loth to be long without you.

Limb. But which way came you, that I saw you not?

Trick. The back way; by the garden door.

Limb. How long have you been here?

Trick. Just come before you.

Limb. O, then all’s well.  For, to tell you true, Pug, I had a kind of villainous apprehension that you had been here longer:  but whatever thou sayest is an oracle, sweet Pug, and I am satisfied.

Brain. [Aside.] How infinitely she gulls him! and he so stupid not to find it! [To her.] If he be still within, madam, (you know my meaning?) here’s Bilbo ready to forbid your keeper entrance.

Trick. [Aside.] Woodall must have told him of our appointment.—­What think you of walking down, Mr Limberham?

Limb. I’ll but visit the chamber a little first.