Scene III.

Chremes alone.

In truth the more and more I think, the more I am convinc'd that Thais means me ill: So plain I see her arts to draw me in. Ev'n when she first invited me, (and when Had any ask'd, What business have you there? The question would have stagger'd me,) she fram'd Sev'ral excuses to detain me there. Said she had made a sacrifice, and had Affairs of consequence to settle with me. - Oho! thought I immediately, I smell A trick upon me! - down she sat, behav'd Familiarly, and tried to beat about For conversation. Being at a loss, She ask'd, how long my parents had been dead? - I told her, long time since:- on which she ask'd, Whether I had a country-house at Sunium? - And how far from the sea? - I half believe She likes my villa, and would wheedle me To give it her. - Her final questions were, If I ne'er lost a little sister thence? - Who was miss'd with her? - what she had when lost? - If there was any body capable Of recollecting her? - Why all these questions? Unless perhaps she means, - a saucy baggage! - To play the counterfeit, and feign herself That sister, who was lost so long ago? But she, if living, is about sixteen; Not more: and Thais older than myself. She sent beside to press me earnestly To visit her again. - Or, let her say What she would have; or, trouble me no more! I'll not return a third time. - Ho! who's there? Here am I! Chremes!