Dap. This is an unlucky morning with me! here's my eternal persecution, the widow Flippant. [Aside.
L. Flip. What, Mr. Dapperwit! [Dapperwit retires to the back of the stage, followed by Lady Flippant.
Ran. Indeed, cousin, besides my business, another cause I did not wait on you was, my apprehension you were gone to the Park, notwithstanding your promise to the contrary.
Lyd. Therefore, you went to the Park to visit me there, notwithstanding your promise to the contrary?
Ran. Who, I at the Park! when I had promised to wait upon you at your lodging! But were you at the Park, madam?
Lyd. Who, I at the Park! when I had promised to wait for you at home! I was no more at the Park than you were. Were you at the Park?
Ran. The Park had been a dismal desert to me, notwithstanding all the good company in it, if I had wanted yours.
Lyd. [Aside.] Because it has been the constant endeavour of men to keep women ignorant, they think us so; but 'tis that increases our inquisitiveness, and makes us know them ignorant as false. He is as impudent a dissembler as the widow Flippant, who is making her importunate addresses in vain, for aught I see.
[Lady Flippant comes forward, driving Dapperwit from one side of the stage to the other.
L. Flip. Dear Mr. Dapperwit! merciful Mr. Dapperwit!