Vio. But for us, madam?
Soph. For you, dear nieces, I have long considered
The injuries you suffer from my brother,
And I rejoice it is in me to help you:
I will endeavour, from this very hour,
To put you both into your lovers' hands,
Who, by your own confession, have deserved you;
But so as (though 'tis done by my connivance)
It shall not seem to be with my consent.
Lau. You do an act of noble charity,
And may just heaven reward it!
Enter Hippolita, and whispers Lucretia.
Soph. Oh, you're a faithful portress of a cloister!
What is't you whisper to Lucretia?
On your obedience tell me.
Luc. Since you must know, madam,
I have received a courtship from the prince
Of Mantua. The rest Hippolita may speak.
Hip. His page, Ascanio, is at the grate,
To know, from him, how you had scaped this danger;
And brings with him those habits—
Soph. I find that here has been a long commerce. What habits?
Luc. I blush to tell you, madam; they were masking habits, in which we went abroad.
Soph. O strange impiety! Well, I conclude
You are no longer for religious clothing;
You would infect our order.