Fri. No, Sir, they’re too precious to be omitted: But I hear you two call Cousins, comes your Kindred by the Merryman’s or the Bonvile’s?
Sum. Neither! we were wholly Strangers ’till of late, and ’tis a word of Courtesy only interchange’d between us for some private Reasons.
Fri. This goes as I cou’d wish. [Aside.]
Sum. I desire you not to grow too inward with me, on so short an Acquaintance: Not that I’de have you think the Lady of so base a Disposition to grant me any thing beyond the Rules of Decency and Honour. The only Favour I e’re receiv’d from her, was a Present of those Bracelets she wears about her Arms, and that Chain of Gold and Pearl she has about her Neck; all which either of us may own without a Blush.
Fri. How, the Chain and Bracelet, say you! Those were the first Tokens of her Husband’s Love.
Sum. Methinks you look concern’d at what I’ve said; yet I have said no more than what I am obliged in Honour to maintain, and will: therefore I hope, as you’r a Gentleman, you’l not turn Informer.
Fri. O pray think not so poorly of me.
Enter a Servant who whispers Summerfield.
Sum. Tell her I’le wait on her immediately.[Exit Servant.
Sir, some Business of Importance calls me hence; therefore some other time I hope I shall have the Happiness of enjoying your Company longer.
[Exit Sum.
Fri. Sir, your humble Servant.
Tell her I’ll wait on her immediately, said he; this must be Arabella that he’s going to: Better still.