BERINTHIA.
I thought I only spoiled your party.
AMANDA.
Since you have been gone, Townly has attempted to renew his importunities. I must break with him, for I cannot venture to acquaint Mr. Loveless with his conduct.
BERINTHIA.
Oh, no! Mr. Loveless mustn’t know of it by any means.
AMANDA.
Oh, not for the world—I wish, Berinthia, you would undertake to speak to Townly on the subject.
BERINTHIA.
Upon my word, it would be a very pleasant subject for me to talk upon! But, come, let us go back; and you may depend on’t I’ll not leave you together again, if I can help it. [Exeunt.]
Re-enter LOVELESS.
LOVELESS.
So—so! a pretty piece of business I have overheard! Townly makes love to my wife, and I am not to know it for all the world. I must inquire into this—and, by Heaven, if I find that Amanda has, in the smallest degree—yet what have I been at here!—Oh, ’sdeath! that’s no rule.
That wife alone unsullied credit wins,
Whose virtues can atone her husband’s sins,
Thus, while the man has other nymphs in view,
It suits the woman to be doubly true.
[Exit.]