"Lady T. And don't you think a husband under the same obligation?
"Lord T. Certainly.
"Lady T. Why then we are agreed, my lord. For if I never go abroad till I am weary of being at home—which you know is the case—is it not equally reasonable, not to come home till one's a weary of being abroad?
"Lord T. If this be your rule of life, madam, 'tis time to ask you one serious question.
"Lady T. Don't let it be long acoming then, for I am in haste.
"Lord T. Madam, when I am serious, I expect a serious answer.
"Lady T. Before I know the question? [Here we can imagine Wilks, who played Lord Townley, waxing exceeding wroth at my lady.]
"Lord T. Pshah—have I power, madam, to make you serious by intreaty?
"Lady T. You have.
"Lord T. And you promise to answer me sincerely.