The Double-Dealer: A Comedy

[_To him_] LORD TOUCHWOOD.

Lord Touch. Maskwell, you are the man I wished to meet.

Mask. I am happy to be in the way of your lordship's commands.

Lord Touch. I have always found you prudent and careful in anything that has concerned me or my family.

Mask. I were a villain else. I am bound by duty and gratitude, and my own inclination, to be ever your lordship's servant.

Lord Touch. Enough. You are my friend; I know it. Yet there has been a thing in your knowledge, which has concerned me nearly, that you have concealed from me.

Mask. My lord!

Lord Touch. Nay, I excuse your friendship to my unnatural nephew thus far. But I know you have been privy to his impious designs upon my wife. This evening she has told me all. Her good nature concealed it as long as was possible; but he perseveres so in villainy, that she has told me even you were weary of dissuading him, though you have once actually hindered him from forcing her.

Mask. I am sorry, my lord, I can't make you an answer; this is an occasion in which I would not willing be silent.

Lord Touch. I know you would excuse him--and I know as well that you can't.

Mask. Indeed I was in hopes it had been a youthful heat that might have soon boiled over; but--

Lord Touch. Say on.

Mask. I have nothing more to say, my lord; but to express my concern; for I think his frenzy increases daily.

Lord Touch. How! Give me but proof of it, ocular proof, that I may justify my dealing with him to the world, and share my fortunes.

Mask. O my lord! consider; that is hard. Besides, time may work upon him. Then, for me to do it! I have professed an everlasting friendship to him.

Lord Touch. He is your friend; and what am I?

Mask. I am answered.

Lord Touch. Fear not his displeasure; I will put you out of his, and fortune's power, and for that thou art scrupulously honest, I will secure thy fidelity to him, and give my honour never to own any discovery that you shall make me. Can you give me a demonstrative proof? Speak.

Mask. I wish I could not. To be plain, my lord, I intended this evening to have tried all arguments to dissuade him from a design which I suspect; and if I had not succeeded, to have informed your lordship of what I knew.

Lord Touch. I thank you. What is the villain's purpose?

Mask. He has owned nothing to me of late, and what I mean now, is only a bare suspicion of my own. If your lordship will meet me a quarter of an hour hence there, in that lobby by my lady's bed-chamber, I shall be able to tell you more.

Lord Touch. I will.

Mask. My duty to your lordship makes me do a severe piece of justice.

Lord Touch. I will be secret, and reward your honesty beyond your hopes.