_Fath_. I have!
_Helen_. That"s right.
_Fath_. I"ll let my lady out.
[Enter MASTER WALTER unperceived.]
_Helen_. That"s right. When, Fathom?
_Fath_. To-night.
_Helen_. She is to be married to-night.
_Fath_. This evening, then. Master Walter is now in the library, the key is on the outside, and I"ll lock him in.
_Helen_. Excellent! You"ll do it?
_Fath_. Rely upon it. How he"ll stare when he finds himself a prisoner, and my young lady at liberty!
_Helen_. Most excellent! You"ll be sure to do it?
_Fath_. Depend upon me! When Fathom undertakes a thing, he defies fire and water--
_Wal_. [Coming forward.] Fathom!
_Fath_. Sir!
_Wal_. a.s.semble straight the servants.
_Fath_. Yes, sir!
_Wal_. Mind, And have them in the hall when I come down.
_Fath_. Yes, sir!
_Wal_. And see you do not stir a step, But where I order you.
_Fath_. Not an inch, sir!
_Wal_. See that you don"t--away! So, my fair mistress,
[FATHOM goes out.]
What"s this you have been plotting? An escape For mistress Julia?
_Helen_. I avow it.
_Wal_. Do you?
_Helen_. Yes; and moreover to your face I tell you, Most hardly do you use her!
_Wal_. Verily!
_Helen_. I wonder where"s her spirit! Had she mine She would not take "t so easily. Do you mean To force this marriage on her?
_Wal_. With your leave.
_Helen_. You laugh.
_Wal_. Without it, then. I don"t laugh now.
_Helen_. If I were she, I"d find a way to escape.
_Wal_. What would you do?
_Helen_. I"d leap out of the window!
_Wal_. Your window should be barred.
_Helen_. I"d cheat you still!-- I"d hang myself ere I"d be forced to marry!
_Wal_. Well said! You shall be married, then, to-night.
_Helen_. Married to-night!
_Wal_. As sure as I have said it.
_Helen_. Two words to that. Pray who"s to be my bridegroom?
_Wal_. A daughter"s husband is her father"s choice.
_Helen_. My father"s daughter ne"er shall wed such husband!
_Wal_. Indeed!
_Helen_. I"ll pick a husband for myself.
_Wal_. Indeed!
_Helen_. Indeed, sir; and indeed again!
_Wal_. Go dress you for the marriage ceremony.
_Helen_. But, Master Walter, what is it you mean?
[Enter MODUS.]
_Wal_. Here comes your cousin;--he shall be your bridesman!