FAINALL. The only Man that would tell me so at least; and the only Man from whom I could hear it without Mortification.

FAINALL. O my Dear I am satisfy'd of your Tenderness; I know you cannot resent any thing from me; especially what is an effect of my Concern.

MRS. FAINALL. Mr. Mirabell; my Mother interrupted you in a pleasant Relation last Night: I wou'd fain hear it out.

MIRABELL. The Persons concern'd in that Affair, have yet a tollerable Reputation –– I am afraid Mr. Fainall will be Censorious.

MRS. FAINALL. He has a Humour more prevailing than his Curiosity, and will willingly dispence with the hearing of one scandalous Story, to avoid giving an occasion to make another by being seen to walk with his Wife. This way Mr. Mirabell, and I dare promise you will oblige us both.

 

Exeunt Mrs. Fainall and Mirabell.

 

FAINALL. Excellent Creature! Well sure if I shou'd live to be rid of my Wife, I shou'd be a miserable Man.

MRS. MARWOOD. Ay!

FAINALL. For having only that one Hope, the accomplishment of it, of Consequence must put an end to all my hopes; and what a Wretch is he who must survive his hopes! Nothing remains when that Day comes, but to sit down and weep like Alexander, when he wanted other Worlds to conquer.

MRS. MARWOOD. Will you not follow 'em?

FAINALL. Faith, I think not.

MRS. MARWOOD. Pray let us; I have a Reason.

FAINALL. You are not Jealous?

MRS. MARWOOD. Of whom?

FAINALL. Of Mirabell.

MRS. MARWOOD. If I am, is it inconsistent with my Love to you that I am tender of your Honour?

FAINALL. You wou'd intimate then, as if there were a fellow-feeling between my Wife and Him.

MRS. MARWOOD.