The first sketch of the School for Scandal that occurs was written, I am inclined to think, before the Rivals, or at least very soon after it;— and that it was his original intention to satirize some of the gossips of Bath appears from the title under which I find noted down, as follows, the very first hints, probably, that suggested themselves for the dialogue.
"THE SLANDERERS.—A Pump-Room Scene.
"Friendly caution to the newspapers.
"It is whispered—
"She is a constant attendant at church, and very frequently takes Dr.
M'Brawn home with her.
"Mr. Worthy is very good to the girl;—for my part, I dare swear he has no ill intention.
"What! Major Wesley's Miss Montague?
"Lud, ma'am, the match is certainly broke—no creature knows the cause; some say a flaw in the lady's character, and others, in the gentleman's fortune.
"To be sure they do say—
"I hate to repeat what I hear.