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82 Betty; and conſidering the ſecrets you have to keep, you have occaſion for it.

Betty. My miſtreſs ſhall never repent her good opinion of me, Ma'am.

Sterl. What is all this? what's the matter? why am I diſturbed in this manner?

Miſs Sterl. This creature, and my diſtreſſes, Sir, will explain the matter.

Mrs. Heidel. Now I'm prepar'd for the rancounter—well, brother, have you heard of this ſcene of wickedneſs?

Sterl. Not I—but what is it?—Speak!—I was got into my little cloſet—all the lawyers were in bed, and I had almoſt loſt my ſenſes in the confuſion of Lord Ogleby's mortgages, when I was alarm'd with a fooliſh girl, who could hardly ſpeak; and whether it's fire, or thieves, or murder, or a rape, I am quite in the dark.

Mrs. Heidel. No, no, there's no rape, brother!—all parties are willing, I believe.

Miſs Sterl. Who's in that chamber?

[detaining Betty, who ſeemed to be ſtealing away.

Betty. My miſtreſs.

Miſs Sterl. And who is with your miſtreſs?

Betty. Why, who ſhould there be?

Miſs Sterl. Open the door then, and let us ſee!

Betty. The door is open, Madam. [Miſs Sterling goes to the door.] I'll ſooner die than peach!

[Exit haſtily.

Miſs Sterl. The door's lock'd; and ſhe has got the key in her pocket.

Mrs. Heidel. There's impudence, brother! piping hot from your daughter Fanny's ſchool!

Sterl. But, zounds! what is all this about? You tell me of a ſum total, and you don't produce the particulars. Mrs.