Miſs Sterl. And ſo you made a holiday for that.—Very fine!
Ch. Maid. I did not make it, Ma'am.
Mrs. Heidel. But do you know nothing of Sir John's being to run away with Miſs Fanny to-night?
Ch. Maid. No, indeed, Ma'am!
Miſs Sterl. Nor of his being now locked up in my ſiſter's chamber?
Ch. Maid. No, as I hope for marcy, Ma'am.
Mrs. Heidel. Well, I'll put an end to all this directly—do you run to my brother Sterling—
Ch. Maid. Now, Ma'am!—'Tis ſo very late, Ma'am—
Mrs. Heidel. I don't care how late it is. Tell him there are thieves in the houſe—that the houſe is o'fire—tell him to come here immediately—go, I ſay!
Ch. Maid. I will, I will, though I'm frighten'd out of my wits. [Exit.
Mrs. Heidel. Do you watch here, my dear; and I'll put myſelf in order, to face them. We'll plot 'em, and counter-plot 'em too. [Exit into her chamber.
Miſs Sterl. I have as much pleaſure in this revenge, as in being made a counteſs!—Ha! they are unlocking the door.—Now for it! [retires.
Fanny's door is unlock'd—and Betty comes out with a candle.
Miſs Sterling approaches her.
Betty. [calling within.] Sir, Sir!—now's your time—all's clear. [ſeeing Miſs Sterl.] Stay, ſtay—not yet—we are watch'd.
Miſs Sterl. And ſo you are, Madam Betty! [Miſs Sterling lays hold of her, while Betty locks the door, and puts the key in her pocket.
Betty. [turning round.] What's the matter, Madam?
Miſs Sterl. Nay, that you ſhall tell my father and aunt, Madam.
Betty. I am no tell-tale, Madam, and no thief; they'll get nothing from me.
Miſs Sterl. You have a great deal of courage,
Betty;
