[Exit.]
SIR BENJAMIN. 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 wern't your Husband.
LADY TEAZLE. O pray don't mind that—come do let's hear 'em.
[join the rest of the Company going into the Next Room.]
SURFACE. Maria I see you have no satisfaction in this society.
MARIA. 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 Humour, Heaven grant me a double Portion of Dullness—
SURFACE. Yet they appear more ill-natured than they are—they have no malice at heart—
MARIA. Then is their conduct still more contemptible[;] for in my opinion—nothing could excuse the intemperance of their tongues but a natural and ungovernable bitterness of Mind.
SURFACE. Undoubtedly Madam—and it has always been a sentiment of mine—that to propagate a malicious Truth wantonly—is more despicable than to falsify from Revenge, but can you Maria feel thus [f]or others and be unkind to me alone—nay is hope to be denied the tenderest Passion.—
MARIA. Why will you distress me by renewing this subject—