ADONIJAH. [Takes another turn or two and fetches up a counterfeit sigh.] Methinks, her father's quest be fruitless.
CHARLES. [Starting up.] Ah, then, let us go.
[Adonijah., visibly relieved, sits down in the chair opposite.
CHARLES. [Amused.] Nay? [Sits down and relaxes.] Ah, then, we'll wait. [Whistles.
ADONIJAH. [Troubled.] 'Tis certain Mistress Betty be not here.
CHARLES. Nay, if she be not here, then I am neither here nor there. I would wager ten pounds to a farthing she be revealed in time if she but will it. Wilt take me up?
ADONIJAH. It be not seemly so to stake thy fortune on a woman's whim.
CHARLES. [Laughs.] Thou'rt right on it. If she will, say I, for if she will she won't, and if she won't she will.
ADONIJAH. False jargon! A woman has no will but e'en her father's as a maid, her husband's later still.
[Enter Cotton, who stops short on seeing Charles, rallies quickly, and proceeds.