Geo. Curse on that word: wou’d thou hadst never learnt it—it gave thy Heart, and my Repose away.
Mir. Dost think I marry’d with that dull design? Canst thou believe I gave my Heart away, because I gave my Hand?—Fond Ceremony that—A necessary trick, devis’d by wary Age, to traffick ’twixt a Portion and a Jointure; him whom I lov’d, is marry’d to my Soul.
Geo. Art thou then mine? And wilt thou make Atonement, by such a charming way?—Come to my clasping Arms.
Enter Lady Blunder at the Door. Sees ’em, and offers to go out again.
L. Blun. Oh, Heavens! How rude am I?—Cry Mercy, Madam, I protest I thought you’d been alone.
Geo. ’Sdeath! my Aunt Blunder! Aside.
Mir. Only this Gentleman, Madam—
L. Blun. Sir, I beg your Pardon—and am really sorry—
Geo. That you find me with your Daughter, Madam.
L. Blun. I hope you take me to be better bred, Sir: Nor had I interrupted you, but for an Accident that has happen’d to Sir Morgan, coming out of the City in a beastly [Hackney-Coach], he was turn’d over in Cheap-side, and striking the filthy Coach-man, the nasty Mob came out, and had almost kill’d him, but for a young Gentleman, a Stranger, that came to his Rescue, and whom he has brought to kiss your Ladyship’s Hands—But I’ll instruct him in his Duty, he shall wait till your Ladyship is more at leisure—alas! he’s already on the Stairs. Exit.