Married Life: A Comedy, in Three Acts

by John Baldwin Buckstone

Mrs. Cod. Go into a rage, Mr. Coddle.

Cod. I can’t;—(MRS. LYNX throws open a window, R. H.)—my love, we are in a thorough draught; that woman wants to destroy me. Let us leave the house, if you wish to see me alive an hour hence. Be satisfied—I’ll call on Mr. Lynx, and demand an explanation.

Mrs. Cod. But one word more——

Cod. No, no, not one. Come, my dear—I’ve the rheumatics in my right shoulder, already—I tremble from head to foot—I’ve taken cold, and you’ll have to nurse me for a month—Come, dear, come.

[Exit L. H. dragging off MRS. CODDLE.

Mrs. Ly. (Falling into a chair.)—Wretched woman that I am—why did I ever give power to any man so to torment me? I’ll now follow him, and enjoy his disappointment.

Mrs. Cod. (Without.)—Don’t send up your name at present—the poor creature is in a rabid state.—(MRS. YOUNGHUSBAND heard without.)

Mrs. Y. Mrs. Lynx won’t mind us.

Mrs. Ly. (Looking off, L. H.)—Who is this? Mr. and Mrs. Younghusband! how provoking—just as I’m going out.—What can bring them here? they are a couple that I can’t endure; though married but three months, they are perpetually contradicting and annoying each other; if, now, they had suffered the five years of matrimony that I have—there might be some excuse for them, but to disagree so early in their career, is sad, indeed.

Enter MR. and MRS. YOUNGHUSBAND, L. H.