Heart. I thank you, madam, for your recommendation; but, hating idleness, I’m unwilling to enter into a place where, I believe, there would be nothing to do. I was fond of serving your ladyship, because I knew you’d find me constant employment.

Lady F. I told you he’d be rude, Belinda.

Bel. Oh! a little bluntness is a sign of honesty, which makes me always ready to pardon it. So, sir, if you have no other objection to my service, but the fear of being idle in it, you may venture to list yourself: I shall find you work, I warrant you.

Heart. Upon those terms I engage, madam; and thus, with your leave, I take for earnest.

[Offers to kiss her hand.

Bel. Hold there, sir! I’m none of your earnest-givers. But, if I’m well served, I give good wages, and pay punctually. [HEARTFREE and BELINDA seem to continue talking familiarly together.

Lady F. [aside]. I don’t like this jesting between them. Methinks the fool begins to look as if he were in earnest; but then, he must be a fool, indeed. Lard! what a difference there is between me and her! [Looking at BELINDA scornfully.] How I should despise such a thing, if I were a man! What a nose she has! what a chin! what a neck! Then her eyes—and the worst kissing lips in the universe! No, no, he can never like her, that’s positive; yet I can’t suffer them together any longer. Mr. Heartfree, do you know that you and I must have no quarrel, for all this? I can’t forbear being a little severe, now and then; but women, you know, may be allowed anything.

Heart. Up to a certain age, madam.

Lady F. Which I’m not yet past, I hope.

Heart. [aside]. Nor ever will, I dare swear.

Lady F. [to Lady B]. Come, madam, will your ladyship be witness to our reconciliation?

Lady B. You are agreed, then, at last?

Heart. [slightingly]. We forgive.

Lady F. [aside]. That was a cold, ill-natured reply.

Lady B. Then there are no challenges sent between you?

Heart. Not from me, I promise. [Aside to CONSTANT.] But that’s more than I’ll do for her; for I know she can as well be hanged as forbear writing to me.

Con. That I believe. But I think we had best be going, lest she should suspect something, and be malicious.

Heart. With all my heart.

Con. Ladies, we are your humble servants. I see Sir John is quite engaged, ’twould be in vain to expect him. Come, Heartfree.

[Exit.

Heart. Ladies, your servant. [To BEL.] I hope, madam, you won’t forget our bargain; I’m to say what I please to you.

[Exit.