L. Fan. Yes, my Dear, going this morning into her Chamber, she not being there, I took up a Letter that lay open on her Table, and out of curiosity read it; as near as I can remember ’twas to this purpose: I writ it out now, because I had a mind thou shou’dst see’t; for I can hide nothing from thee.
Sir Pat. A very good Lady, I profess! to whom is it directed?
L. Fan. Why,—Sir—What shall I say, I cannot lay it now on Lodwick— Aside.
I believe she meant it to Mr. Fainlove, for whom else cou’d it be design’d? she being so soon to marry him.
Sir Pat. Hah,—Mr. Fainlove! so soon so fond and amorous!
L. Fan. Alas, ’tis the excusable fault of all young Women, thou knowst I was just such another Fool to thee, so fond—and so in love.—
Sir Pat. Ha,—thou wert indeed, my Lady Fancy, indeed thou wert.—But I will keep the Letter however, that this idle Baggage may know I understand her Tricks and Intrigues. Puts up the Letter.
L. Fan. Nay then ’twill out: No, I beseech you, Sir, give me the Letter, I wou’d not for the World Isabella shou’d know of my theft, ’twou’d appear malicious in me:—Besides, Sir, it does not befit your Gravity to be concern’d in the little Quarrels of Lovers.
Sir Pat. Lovers! Tell me not of Lovers, my Lady Fancy; with Reverence to your good Ladyship, I value not whether there be Love between ’em or not. Pious Wedlock is my Business,—nay, I will let him know his own too, that I will, with your Ladyship’s permission.
L. Fan. How unlucky I am!—Sir, as to his Chastisement, use your own discretion, in which you do abound most plentifully. But pray let not Isabella hear of it; for as I wou’d preserve my Duty to thee, by communicating all things to thee, so I wou’d conserve my good Opinion with her.