[Exit.

Scene IV.—The Court before Don Jerome’s House.

Enter Don Jerome and Donna Louisa.

Don Jer. Come, mistress, there is your way—the world lies before you, so troop thou antiquated Eve, thou original sin! Hold, yonder is some fellow skulking; perhaps it is Antonio—go to him, d’ye hear, and tell him to make you amends, and as he has got you turned away, tell him I say it is but just he should take you himself; go—[Exit Donna Louisa.] So! I am rid of her, thank heaven! and now I shall be able to keep my oath, and confine my daughter with better security.

[Exit.

Scene V.—The Piazza.

Enter Donna Clara and Maid.

Maid. But where, madam, is it you intend to go?

Don. Clara. Anywhere to avoid the selfish violence of my mother-in-law, and Ferdinand’s insolent importunity.

Maid. Indeed, ma’am, since we have profited by Don Ferdinand’s key, in making our escape, I think we had best find him, if it were only to thank him.

Don. Clara. No—he has offended me exceedingly.

[Retires.

Enter Donna Louisa.

Don. Louisa. So I have succeeded in being turned out of doors—but how shall I find Antonio? I dare not inquire for him, for fear of being discovered; I would send to my friend Clara, but then I doubt her prudery would condemn me.

Maid. Then suppose, ma’am, you were to try if your friend Donna Louisa would not receive you?

Don. Clara. No, her notions of filial duty are so severe, she would certainly betray me.

Don. Louisa. Clara is of a cold temper, and would think this step of mine highly forward.

Don. Clara. Louisa’s respect for her father is so great, she would not credit the unkindness of mine.

[Donna Louisa turns, and sees Donna Clara and Maid.

Don. Louisa. Ha! who are those? sure one is Clara—if it be, I’ll trust her. Clara!

[Advances.

Don. Clara. Louisa! and in masquerade too!

Don. Louisa. You will be more surprised when I tell you, that I have run away from my father.

Don. Clara. Surprised indeed! and I should certainly chide you most horridly, only that I have just run away from mine.

Don. Louisa. My dear Clara!