Sir Pet. I'll be with them directly.—[Exit Servant.] I'll get away unperceived.
[Aside.
Lady Sneer. Sir Peter, you are not going to leave us?
Sir Pet. Your ladyship must excuse me; I'm called away by particular business. But I leave my character behind me.
[Exit.
Sir Ben. Well—certainly, Lady Teazle, that lord of yours is a strange being: I could tell you some stories of him would make you laugh heartily if he were not your husband.
Lady Teaz. Oh, pray, don't mind that; come, do let's hear them.
[Exeunt all but Joseph Surface and Maria.
Jos. Surf. Maria, I see you have no satisfaction in this society.
Mar. How is it possible I should? If to raise malicious smiles at the infirmities or misfortunes of those who have never injured us be the province of wit or humor, Heaven grant me a double portion of dulness!
Jos. Surf. Yet they appear more ill-natured than they are; they have no malice at heart.
Mar. Then is their conduct still more contemptible; for, in my opinion, nothing could excuse the intemperance of their tongues but a natural and uncontrollable bitterness of mind.