Bon. A black! ten to one the man upon the black mare; and since he don’t belong to our fraternity, we may betray him with a safe conscience: I don’t think it lawful to harbour any rogues but my own. Look’ee, child, as the saying is, we must go cunningly to work, proofs we must have; the gentleman’s servant loves drink, I’ll ply him that way, and ten to one loves a wench: you must work him t’other way.

Cher. Father, would you have me give my secret for his?

Bon. Consider, child, there’s two hundred pound to boot.—[Ringing without.] Coming! coming!—Child, mind your business.

[Exit.

Cher. What a rogue is my father! My father! I deny it. My mother was a good, generous, free-hearted woman, and I can’t tell how far her good nature might have extended for the good of her children. This landlord of mine, for I think I can call him no more, would betray his guest, and debauch his daughter into the bargain—by a footman too!

Re-enter Archer.

Arch. What footman, pray, mistress, is so happy as to be the subject of your contemplation?

Cher. Whoever he is, friend, he’ll be but little the better for’t.

Arch. I hope so, for, I’m sure, you did not think of me.

Cher. Suppose I had?

Arch. Why, then, you’re but even with me; for the minute I came in, I was a-considering in what manner I should make love to you.

Cher. Love to me, friend!

Arch. Yes, child.

Cher. Child! manners!—If you kept a little more distance, friend, it would become you much better.

Arch. Distance! good-night, sauce-box.

[Going.

Cher. [aside]. A pretty fellow! I like his pride.—[Aloud.] Sir, pray, sir, you see, sir [Archer returns], I have the credit to be entrusted with your master’s fortune here, which sets me a degree above his footman; I hope, sir, you an’t affronted?

Arch. Let me look you full in the face, and I’ll tell you whether you can affront me or no. ’Sdeath, child, you have a pair of delicate eyes, and you don’t know what to do with ’em!

Cher. Why, sir, don’t I see everybody?

Arch. Ay, but if some women had ’em, they would kill everybody. Prithee, instruct me, I would fain make love to you, but I don’t know what to say.

Cher. Why, did you never make love to anybody before?