Y. Bell. ’Tis not unnatural for you women to be a little angry [if] you miss a conquest, though you would slight the poor man were he in your power.

Har. There are some, it may be, have an eye like Bartholomew, big enough for the whole fair, but I am not of the number, and you may keep your gingerbread: ’twill be more acceptable to the lady whose dear image it wears, sir.

Y. Bell. I must confess, madam, you came a day after the fair

Har. You own then you are in love.

Y. Bell. I do.

Har. The confidence is generous, and in return I could almost find in my heart to let you know my inclinations.

Y. Bell. Are you in love?

Har. Yes, with this dear town, to that degree I can scarce endure the country in landscapes and in hangings.

Y. Bell. What a dreadful thing ’twould be to be hurried back to Hampshire?

Har. Ah! name it not!

Y. Bell. As for us, I find we shall agree well enough! Would we could do something to deceive the grave people!

Har. Could we delay their proceeding, ’twere well; a reprieve is a good step towards the getting of a pardon.

Y. Bell. If we give over the game we are undone; what think you of playing it on booty?

Har. What do you mean?

Y. Bell. Pretend to be in love with one another; ’twill make some dilatory excuses we may feign pass the better.

Har. Let us do’t, if it be but for the dear pleasure of dissembling.

Y. Bell. Can you play your part?

Har. I know not what ’tis to love, but I have made pretty remarks by being now and then where lovers meet. Where did you leave their gravities?

Y. Bell. I’ th’ next room; your mother was censuring our modern gallant.

Enter Old Bellair and Lady Woodvil.

Har. Peace! Here they come, I will lean against this wall and look bashfully down upon my fan, while you like an amorous spark modishly entertain me.

Lady Wood. Never go about to excuse ’em; come, come, it was not so when I was a young woman.

O. Bell. Adod, they’re something disrespectful.

Lady Wood. Quality was then considered, and not rallied by every leering fellow.

O. Bell. Youth will have its jest, adod it will.