Lady Grace. Hold! Mr. Manly: I am afraid this severe opinion of the sex, is owing to the ill choice you have made of your Mistresses.
Man. In a great measure, it may be so: But, Madam, if both these characters are so odious; how vastly valuable is that woman, who has attain'd all they aim at without the aid of the Folly, or Vice of either?
Lady Grace. I believe those sort of women to be as scarce, Sir, as the men, that believe there are any such; or that allowing such have virtue enough to deserve them.
Man. That could deserve them then——had been a more favourable reflexion!
Lady Grace. Nay, I speak only from my little experience: For (I'll be free with you, Mr. Manly) I don't know a man in the world, that, in appearance, might better pretend to a woman of the first merit, than yourself: And yet I have a reason in my hand, here, to think you have your failings.
Man. I have infinite, Madam; but I am sure, the want of an implicit respect for you, is not among the number——pray what is in your hand, Madam?
Lady Grace. Nay, Sir, I have no title to it; for the direction is to you.
[Gives him a Letter.
Man. To me! I don't remember the hand—
[Reads to himself.