"Bid me jump out of that window, madam; bid me kill those two gentlemen,
and I will not rebel. You are a great lady, a talented lady; you have
been insulted, and no doubt blood will flow. It ought--it is your due;
but that innocent lady, do not compromise her!"
"Oh, Mr. Triplet, you need not kneel to me. I do not wish to force you to
render me a service. I have no right to dictate to you."
"Oh, dear!" cried Triplet, "don't talk in that way. I owe you my life,
but I think of your own peace of mind, for you are not one to be happy if
you injure the innocent!" He rose suddenly, and cried: "Madam, promise me
not to stir till I come back!"
"Where are you going?"
"To bring the husband to his wife's feet, and so save one angel from
despair, and another angel from a great crime."
"Well, I suppose you are wiser than I," said she. "But, if you are in
earnest, you had better be quick, for somehow I am rather changeable
about these people."
"You can't help that, madam, it is your sex; you are an angel. May I be
permitted to kiss your hand? you are all goodness and gentleness at
bottom. I fly to Mr. Vane, and we will be back before you have time to
repent, and give the Devil the upper hand again, my dear, good, sweet
lady!"
Away flew Triplet, all unconscious that he was not Mrs. Woffington's
opponent, but puppet. He ran, he tore, animated by a good action, and
spurred by the notion that he was in direct competition with the fiend
for the possession of his benefactress.
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