SCENE III.—Penelope's Lodgings.
Enter Penelope and Victoria.
Pen. It seems Simon lay out all night, and was carried away by the watch with some gentlemen in a quarrel.
Vict. I fancy the men who are always for showing their valour are like the women who are always talking of their chastity, because they are conscious of their defect in it.
Pen. Right; for we are not apt to raise arguments but about what we think is disputable.
Vict. Ay, ay, they whose honour is a sore part are more fearful of being touched than they in whom 'tis only a tender one. But tell me honestly, Penelope, should poor Lovemore be in this rencounter, and that for your sake, would it have no effect upon you in his favour?
Pen. I don't know how to answer you; but I find something in that reflection which acquaints me 'tis very hard for one to know one's own heart. [Sighs.
Vict. However, let your heart answer me one question more, as well as it can. Does it love me as well as ever it did?
Pen. Does not, madam, that question proceed from a change in your own?
Vict. It does, Penelope; I own it does——I had a long conflict with myself on my pillow last night.