Enter MISS CAROLINE COY, dressed in bridal white, F.E.L.; she enters in a dignified manner.
Miss Coy. (Courtesying round her.) Good afternoon. I am sorry to disturb you. So, all assembled, the entire force of my traducers in full array before me. I am delighted to meet you all.
Nig. I think she carries the calm dignity of innocence in her manner.
Dam. All artifice.
Miss Coy. (Seeing CHARLES.) You here too?
Che. (Advancing to her, R.) Let them say what they will of you, my secret must be kept. If your intended possesses a real regard for you, it is not a mere tale of scandal that can turn him from you.
Miss Coy. I am in such a fury—feel so insulted.
Che. Then shower your wrath on their heads.
Miss Coy. I shall not spare them, be assured. (Sits.)
Dam. (To NIGGLE.) Whispering, you see—agreeing both to tell the same story.