[Exit Polly.]

[Re-enter Polly, and listens behind column.]

MRS. PEACHUM. The Thing, Husband, must and shall be done. For the
sake of Intelligence we must take other measures, and have him
peached the next Session without her Consent. If she will not know
her Duty, we know ours.

PEACHUM. But really, my Dear, it grieves one's Heart to take off a
great Man. When I consider his Personal Bravery, his fine Stratagem,
how much we have already got by him, and how much more we may get,
methinks I can't find in my Heart to have a hand in his Death. I
wish you could have made Polly undertake it.

MRS. PEACHUM. But in a Case of Necessity--our own Lives are in
danger.

PEACHUM. Then, indeed, we must comply with the Customs of the World,
and make Gratitude give way to Interest.--He shall be taken off.

MRS. PEACHUM. I'll undertake to manage Polly.

PEACHUM. And I'll prepare Matters for the Old-Baily.

[Exeunt severally.]

POLLY. Now I'm a Wretch, indeed.--Methinks I see him already in the
Cart, sweeter and more lovely than the Nosegay in his Hand!--I hear