Nurse. Well, I’m such a tender-hearted fool, I find I can refuse you nothing. So you shall e’en follow your own inventions.

Miss Hoyd. Shall I? O Lord, I could leap over the moon!

Fash. Dear nurse, this goodness of yours shall be still more rewarded. But now you must employ your power with the chaplain, that he may do his friendly office too, and then we shall be all happy. Do you think you can prevail with him?

Nurse. Prevail with him! or he shall never prevail with me, I can tell him that.

Fash. I’m glad to hear it; however, to strengthen your interest with him, you may let him know I have several fat livings in my gift, and that the first that falls shall be in your disposal.

Nurse. Nay, then, I’ll make him marry more folks than one, I’ll promise him!

Miss Hoyd. Faith, do, nurse, make him marry you too; I’m sure he’ll do’t for a fat living.

Fash. Well, nurse, while you go and settle matters with him, your lady and I will go and take a walk in the garden.—[Exit Nurse.] Come, madam, dare you venture yourself alone with me?

[Takes Miss Hoyden by the hand.

Miss Hoyd. Oh dear, yes, sir; I don’t think you’ll do any think to me I need be afraid on.

[Exeunt.

Scene II.—Amanda’s Dressing-room.

Enter Amanda, followed by her Maid.

Maid. If you please, madam, only to say whether you’ll have me buy them or not?

Aman. Yes—no—Go, teaser; I care not what you do. Pr’ythee leave me.

[Exit Maid.

Enter Berinthia.

Ber. What, in the name of Jove, is the matter with you?

Aman. The matter, Berinthia! I’m almost mad; I’m plagued to death.

Ber. Who is it that plagues you?

Aman. Who do you think should plague a wife but her husband?

Ber. O, ho! is it come to that?—We shall have you wish yourself a widow, by-and-by.

Aman. Would I were anything but what I am! A base, ungrateful man, to use me thus!

Ber. What, has he given you fresh reason to suspect his wandering!

Aman. Every hour gives me reason.

Ber. And yet, Amanda, you perhaps at this moment cause in another’s breast the same tormenting doubts and jealousies which you feel so sensibly yourself.