Man. Fomentations, Madam, are sometimes necessary to dispel rumours; tho' I don't directly advise my Lord to do this——This is only what, upon the same provocation, I would do myself.
Lady Grace. Ay! ay! You would do! Batchelors wives, indeed, are finely governed.
Man. If the married mens were as well——I am apt to think we should not see so many mutual plagues taking the air, in separate coaches!
Lady Grace. Well! but suppose it was your own case; would you part with a wife because she now and then stays out, in the best company?
Lord Town. Well said, Lady Grace! come, stand up for the privilege of your sex! This is like to be a warm debate! I shall edify.
Man. Madam, I think a wife, after midnight, has no occasion to be in better company than her husband; and that frequent unreasonable hours make the best company——the worst company she can fall into.
Lady Grace. But if people of condition are to keep company with one another; how is it possible to be done unless one conforms to their hours?
Man. I can't find that any woman's good breeding obliges her to conform to other people's vices.
Lord Town. I doubt, child, we are got a little on the wrong side of the question.