SELBY
And may you prove a true Cassandra here,
Though my poor acres smart for't, wagering sister.
[Exeunt.]
SCENE.-Mrs. Selby's Chamber.
MRS. FRAMPTON. KATHERINE.
MRS. FRAMPTON
Did I express myself in terms so strong?
KATHERINE
As nothing could have more affrighted me.
MRS. FRAMPTON
Think it a hurt friend's jest, in retribution
Of a suspected cooling hospitality.
And, for my staying here, or going hence,
(Now I remember something of our argument,)
Selby and I can settle that between us.
You look amazed. What if your husband, child,
Himself has courted me to stay?
KATHERINE
You move
My wonder and my pleasure equally.
MRS. FRAMPTON
Yes, courted me to stay, waiv'd all objections.
Made it a favour to yourselves; not me,
His troublesome guest, as you surmised. Child, child!
When I recall his flattering welcome, I
Begin to think the burden of my presence
Was—
KATHERINE
What, for Heaven—
MRS. FRAMPTON
A little, little spice
Of jealousy—that's all—an honest pretext,
No wife need blush for. Say that you should see
(As oftentimes we widows take such freedoms,
Yet still on this side virtue,) in a jest
Your husband pat me on the cheek, or steal
A kiss, while you were by,—not else, for virtue's sake.