Enter Lady Fulbank, Pert and Bredwel. Bredwel gives her a Letter.
Lady Fulbank reads.
Did my Julia know how I languish in this cruel Separation, she would afford me her pity, and write oftner. If only the Expectation of two thousand a year kept me from you, ah! Julia, how easily would I abandon that Trifle for your more valued sight; but that I know a fortune will render me more agreeable to the charming Julia, I should quit all my Interest here, to throw my self at her Feet, to make her sensible how I am intirely her Adorer. Charles Gayman.
—Faith, Charles, you lie—you are as welcome to me now,
Now when I doubt thy Fortune is declining,
As if the Universe were thine.
Pert. That, Madam, is a noble Gratitude. For if his Fortune be declining, ‘tis sacrificed to his Passion for your Ladyship. —’Tis all laid out on Love.
L. Ful. I prize my Honour more than Life,
Yet I had rather have given him all he wish’d of me,
Than be guilty of his Undoing.
Pert. And I think the Sin were less.
L. Ful. I must confess, such Jewels, Rings and Presents as he made me, must needs decay his Fortune.
Bred. Ay, Madam, his very Coach at last was turned into a Jewel for your Ladyship. Then, Madam, what Expences his Despair have run him on —As Drinking and Gaming, to divert the Thought of your marrying my old Master.
L. Ful. And put in Wenching too.—