Bel. [aside]. Now to carry on my plot; nothing but love could make me capable of so much falsehood; ’tis time to begin, lest Dorimant should come before her jealousy has stung her.

[Laughs, and then speaks on. I was yesterday at a play with ’em, where I was fain to show ’em the living, as the man at Westminster does the dead; that is Mrs. Such-a-one, admired for her beauty; this is Mr. Such-a-one, cried up for a wit; that is sparkish Mr. Such-a-one, who keeps reverend Mrs. Such-a- one, and there sits fine Mrs. Such-a-one, who was lately cast off by my Lord Such-a-one.

Lov. Did you see Dorimant there?

Bel. I did, and imagine you were there with him and have no mind to own it.

Lov. What should make you think so?

Bel. A lady masked in a pretty dëshabillë, whom Dorimant entertained with more respect than the gallants do a common vizard.

Lov. [aside]. Dorimant at the play entertaining a mask, oh heavens!

Bel. [aside]. Good.

Lov. Did he stay all the while?

Bel. Till the play was done, and then led her out, which confirms me it was you.

Lov. Traitor!

Pert. Now you may believe he had business, and you may forgive him too.

Lov. Ungrateful, perjured man!

Bel. You seem so much concerned, my dear, I fear I have told you unawares what I had better have concealed for your quiet.

Lov. What manner of shape had she?

Bel. Tall and slender, her motions very genteel; certainly she must be some person of condition.

Lov. Shame and confusion be ever in her face when she shows it!

Bel. I should blame your discretion for loving that wild man, my dear; but they say he has a way so bewitching that few can defend their hearts who know him.

Lov. I will tear him from mine, or die i’ the attempt.

Bel. Be more moderate.

Lov. Would I had daggers, darts, or poisoned arrows in my breast, so I could but remove the thoughts of him from thence!

Bel. Fie, fie! your transports are too violent, my dear. This may be but an accidental gallantry, and ’tis likely ended at her coach.

Pert. Should it proceed farther, let your comfort be, the conduct Mr. Dorimant affects will quickly make you know your rival, ten to one let you see her ruined, her reputation exposed to the town; a happiness none will envy her but yourself, madam.