poverty; and almost all the wretched earnings I made at that time were
given to my poor father then lying in the Queen's Bench hard by. You
know there was nothing against my character--you know there was not. Ask
Captain Touchit whether I was not a good girl. It was he who brought me
to this house.

K.--Touchit! the old villain!

MISS P.--I had your sister's confidence. I tended her abroad on her
death-bed. I have brought up your nephew and niece. Ask any one if I
have not been honest? As a man, as a gentleman, I entreat you to keep my
secret! I implore you for the sake of my poor mother and her children!
[kneeling.]

K.--By Jove! how handsome you are! How crying becomes your eyes! Get up;
get up. Of course I'll keep your secret, but--

MISS P.--Ah! ah! [She screams as he tries to embrace her. HOWELL rushes
in.]

HOWELL.--Hands off, you little villain! Stir a step and I'll kill you,
if you were a regiment of captains! What! insult this lady who kept
watch at your sister's death-bed and has took charge of her children!
Don't be frightened, Miss Prior. Julia--dear, dear Julia--I'm by you.
If the scoundrel touches you, I'll kill him. I--I love you--there--it's
here--love you madly--with all my 'art--my a-heart!

MISS P.--Howell--for heaven's sake, Howell!

K.--Pooh--ooh! [bursting with laughter]. Here's a novel, by