Fash. Nay, if that will do, she shall have half a score of them.
Miss H. O gemini! for half that she'd marry you herself. I'll run and call her.
Fash. So matters go swimmingly. This is a rare girl i' faith. I shall have a fine time on't with her in London, I'm much mistaken if she don't prove a March hare all the year round. What a scampering chase will she on't, when she finds the whole kennel of beaux at her tail! hey to the park, and the play, and the church and the devil; she'll show them sport, I'll warrant 'em. But no matter, she brings me an estate that will afford me a separate maintenance.
The following from "The Provoked Husband," gives a good specimen of social hypocrisy.
Servant. Madam, here's my Lady Fanciful to wait upon your ladyship.
Lady Brute. Shield me, kind heaven! what an inundation of impertinence is here coming upon us!
At the end of this unwelcome visit, we have the following hit at the ceremonious politeness then fashionable.
Lady B. What going already, madam.
Lady Fan. I must beg you excuse me this once, for really I have eighteen visits to return this afternoon. So you see I am importuned by the women as well as by the men.
Bel. (aside). And she's quits with 'em both.