Gom. There's no harm in that; she shall fast too: fasting saves money.[Aside.
Dom. [To Elvira.] What was the reason that I found you upon your knees, in that unseemly posture?
Gom. O horrible! to find a woman upon her knees, he says, is an unseemly posture; there's a priest for you!
[Aside.
416 Elv. [To Dom.] I wish, father, you would give me an opportunity of entertaining you in private: I have somewhat upon my spirits that presses me exceedingly.
Dom. This goes well: [Aside.] Gomez, stand you at a distance,—farther yet,—stand out of ear shot;—I have somewhat to say to your wife in private.
Gom. Was ever man thus priest-ridden? would the steeple of his church were in his belly: I am sure there's room for it.
[Aside.
Elv. I am ashamed to acknowledge my infirmities; but you have been always an indulgent father, and therefore I will venture to—and yet I dare not!—
Dom. Nay, if you are bashful;—if you keep your wound from the knowledge of your surgeon,—
Elv. You know my husband is a man in years; but he's my husband, and therefore I shall be silent; but his humours are more intolerable than his age: he's grown so froward, so covetous, and so jealous, that he has turned my heart quite from him; and, if I durst confess it, has forced me to cast my affections on another man.
Dom. Good:—hold, hold; I meant abominable.—Pray heaven this may be my colonel![Aside.