MEL. By heav'n, into a hot furnace sooner.

MASK. No, you would not; it would not be so convenient, as I can
order matters.

MEL. What d'ye mean?

MASK. Mean? Not to disappoint the lady, I assure you. Ha, ha, ha,
how gravely he looks. Come, come, I won't perplex you. 'Tis the
only thing that providence could have contrived to make me capable
of serving you, either to my inclination or your own necessity.

MEL. How, how, for heav'n's sake, dear Maskwell?

MASK. Why, thus. I'll go according to appointment; you shall have
notice at the critical minute to come and surprise your aunt and me
together. Counterfeit a rage against me, and I'll make my escape
through the private passage from her chamber, which I'll take care
to leave open. 'Twill be hard if then you can't bring her to any
conditions. For this discovery will disarm her of all defence, and
leave her entirely at your mercy--nay, she must ever after be in awe
of you.

MEL. Let me adore thee, my better genius! By heav'n I think it is
not in the power of fate to disappoint my hopes--my hopes? My
certainty!

MASK. Well, I'll meet you here, within a quarter of eight, and give
you notice.