Enter Esop at one side of the Stage, Mrs. Forge-will at t'other.
Forg. Sir, I'm your most devoted Servant! What I say is no Compliment, I do assure you.
Esop. Madam, as far as you are really mine, I believe I may venture to assure you, I am yours.
Forg. I suppose, Sir, you know that I'm a Widow.
Esop. Madam, I don't so much as know you are a Woman.
Forg. O surprizing! Why, I thought the whole Town had known it. Sir, I have been a Widow this Twelvemonth.
Esop. If a Body may guess at your Heart by your Petticoat, Lady, you don't design to be so a Twelvemonth more.
Forg. O bless me! Not a Twelvemonth! Why, my Husband has left me four squalling Brats. Besides, Sir, I'm undone.
Esop. You seem as chearful an undone Lady as I have met with.
Forg. Alas, Sir, I have too great a Spirit ever to let Afflictions spoil my Face. Sir, I'll tell you my Condition; and that will lead me to my Business with you. Sir, my Husband was a Scriviner.