Pinch. Nay, I believe you will learn that, and other things too, which I would not have you.
Mrs. Pinch. So, han't I done it curiously[77]?—[Aside.] I think I have; there's my letter going to Mr. Horner, since he'll needs have me send letters to folks.
Pinch. 'Tis very well; but I warrant, you would not have it go now?
Mrs. Pinch. Yes, indeed, but I would, bud, now.
Pinch. Well, you are a good girl then. Come, let me lock you up in your chamber, till I come back; and be sure you come not within three strides of the window when I am gone, for I have a spy in the street.—[Exit Mrs. Pinchwife, Pinchwife locks the door.] At least, 'tis fit she think so. If we do not cheat women, they'll cheat us, and fraud may be justly used with secret enemies, of which a wife is the most dangerous; and he that has a handsome one to keep, and a frontier town, must provide against treachery, rather than open force. Now I have secured all within, I'll deal with the foe without, with false intelligence. [Holds up the letter. Exit.
SCENE III.—Horner's Lodging
Enter Horner and Quack.
Quack. Well, sir, how fadges[78] the new design? have you not the luck of all your brother projectors, to deceive only yourself at last?
Horn. No, good domine doctor, I deceive you, it seems, and others too; for the grave matrons, and old, rigid husbands think me as unfit for love, as they are; but their wives, sisters, and daughters know, some of 'em, better things already.
Quack. Already!