you; I quickly found it: an argument that I loved, for with that
art you veiled your passion 'twas imperceptible to all but jealous
eyes. This discovery made me bold; I confess it; for by it I
thought you in my power. Your nephew's scorn of you added to my
hopes; I watched the occasion, and took you, just repulsed by him,
warm at once with love and indignation; your disposition, my
arguments, and happy opportunity accomplished my design; I pressed
the yielding minute, and was blest. How I have loved you since,
words have not shown, then how should words express?

LADY TOUCH. Well, mollifying devil! And have I not met your love
with forward fire?

MASK. Your zeal, I grant, was ardent, but misplaced; there was
revenge in view; that woman's idol had defiled the temple of the
god, and love was made a mock-worship. A son and heir would have
edged young Mellefont upon the brink of ruin, and left him none but
you to catch at for prevention.

LADY TOUCH. Again provoke me! Do you wind me like a larum, only to
rouse my own stilled soul for your diversion? Confusion!

MASK. Nay, madam, I'm gone, if you relapse. What needs this? I
say nothing but what you yourself, in open hours of love, have told
me. Why should you deny it? Nay, how can you? Is not all this
present heat owing to the same fire? Do you not love him still?
How have I this day offended you, but in not breaking off his match
with Cynthia? which, ere to-morrow, shall be done, had you but
patience.