[Exit Clar. and Aram.
Flippanta sola.
What a pretty little pair of amiable persons are there gone to hold a council of war together! Poor birds! What would they do with their time, if the plaguing their husbands did not help 'em to employment! Well, if idleness be the root of all evil, then matrimony's good for something, for it sets many a poor woman to work. But here comes Miss. I hope I shall help her into the Holy State too ere long. And when she's once there, if she don't play her part as well as the best of 'em, I'm mistaken. Han't I lost the letter I'm to give her?——No, here 'tis; so, now we shall see how pure nature will work with her, for art she knows none yet.
Enter Corinna.
Cor. What does my mother-in-law want with me, Flippanta? They tell me, she was asking for me.
Flip. She's just gone out, so I suppose 'twas no great business.
Cor. Then I'll go into my chamber again.
Flip. Nay, hold a little if you please. I have some business with you myself, of more concern than what she had to say to you.
Cor. Make haste then, for you know my father won't let me keep you company; he says, you'll spoil me.
Flip. I spoil you! He's an unworthy man to give you such ill impressions of a woman of my honour.