opinion; the appearance is very fair, but I have an after-game to
play that shall turn the tables, and here comes the man that I must
manage.


SCENE XIV.


[To him] LORD TOUCHWOOD.

LORD TOUCH. Maskwell, you are the man I wished to meet.

MASK. I am happy to be in the way of your lordship's commands.

LORD TOUCH. I have always found you prudent and careful in anything
that has concerned me or my family.

MASK. I were a villain else. I am bound by duty and gratitude, and
my own inclination, to be ever your lordship's servant.

LORD TOUCH. Enough. You are my friend; I know it. Yet there has
been a thing in your knowledge, which has concerned me nearly, that
you have concealed from me.

MASK. My lord!

LORD TOUCH. Nay, I excuse your friendship to my unnatural nephew
thus far. But I know you have been privy to his impious designs
upon my wife. This evening she has told me all. Her good nature
concealed it as long as was possible; but he perseveres so in