(Enter Belinda, Clarissa and Lucy)
Belinda: The precautions you make me take, Edward, can only be justified by the success they are having—and I will be entirely lost in worldliness if our marriage doesn't end all the pleasure parties I'm used to.
Edward: I have never had any other sentiments, pretty Belinda—and here is your friend who can bear witness to it.
Clarissa: I guarantee the goodness of your heart if you must take this moment to justify yourself; but I, who never get mixed up in anything adventurous and who haven't seen the conclusion of this affair—what kind of role must I play—and what will people say of it, I pray?
Roger: They'll say that people are known by the company they keep—and that the company made you get married. My master has so many friends—you have only to pick.
Lucy: Take one, madame. The crazier things are—the more fun. Come on—make a choice!
Clarissa:
I'll marry the devil. Now that you mention it, I think I'll marry off
Lucy—because of the company. It's a very contagious example.
Edward: I wish you'd follow our example. I have a young friend who is alienated from his family. That's the way to recommend him. Has he told you of his feelings?
Clarissa: No. This sort of marriage doesn't interest me. I don't follow anyone's lead. I want to take a husband as independent as I am.
Edward:
Well said. My friend isn't the type to let you put a bridle on him.