[Knocking at the door, enter footman.]
Foot. Ay, this is her livery. Friend, give this to your mistress.
[Gives a letter to Fossile and exit.]
Fossile. [reads] 'Madam, you have jilted me. What I gave you cost me dear; what you might have given me, would have cost you nothing. You shall use my next present with more respect. I presented you a fine snuff-box; you gave it to that coxcomb Underplot, and Underplot gave it to my wife. Judge of my surprise.
'Freeman.'
A fine circulation of a snuff-box! in time I shall have the rarest of my shells set off with gold hinges, to make presents to all the fops about town. My Conchæ Veneris; and perhaps, even my Nautilus.
A knocking at the door. Enter an old woman.
Old Wom. Can I speak with your good mistress, honest friend?
Fos. No, she's busy.
Old Wom. Madam Wyburn presents her service and has sent this letter.
[Exit.
Fossile. [reads] 'Being taken up with waiting upon merchants ladies this morning, I have sent to acquaint you, my dear sweet Mrs. Townley, that the alderman agrees to every thing but putting away his wife, which he says is not decent at that end of the town. He desires a meeting this evening.'