Part 20 (1/2)

[Removes veil.]

_Wal_. Lydia!

_W. Green_. My waiting-maid!

_Wal_. Thy sister, Trueworth!

Art thou fit brother to this virtuous maid?

_True_. [Giving LYDIA to WALLER.] Let this a.s.sure thee.

_Lydia_. [To WIDOW GREEN.] Madam, pardon me My double character, for honesty, No other end a.s.sumed--and my concealment Of Master Waller's love. In all things else I trust I may believe you hold me blameless; At least, I'll say for you, I should be so, For it was pastime, madam, not a task, To wait upon you! Little you exacted, And ever made the most of what I did In mere obedience to you!

_W. Green_. Give me your hand, No love without a little roguery.

If you do play the mistress well as maid, You will hear off the bell! There never was A better girl!--I have made myself a fool.

I am undone, if goes the news abroad.

My wedding dress I donned for no effect Except to put it off! I must be married.

I'm a lost woman, if another day I go without a husband!--What a sight He looks by Master Waller!--Yet he is physic I die without, so needs must gulp it down.

I'll swallow him with what good grace I can, Sir William Fondlove!

_Sir Wil_. Widow Green!

_W. Green_. I own I have been rude to you. Thou dost not look So old by thirty, forty, years as I Did say. Thou'rt far from ugly--very far!

And as I said, Sir William, once before, Thou art a kind and right good-humoured man: I was but angry with you! Why, I'll tell you At more convenient season--and you know An angry woman heeds not what she says, And will say anything!

_Sir Wil_. I were unworthy The name of man, if an apology So gracious came off profitless, and from A lady! Will you take me, Widow Green?

_W. Green_. Hem! [Curtsies.]

_True_. [To WILDRAKE.] Master Wildrake dressed to go to church!

She has acknowledged, then, she loves thee?--No?

Give me thy hand, I'll lead thee up to her.

_Wild_. 'Sdeath! what are you about? You know her not.

She'll brain thee!

_True_. Fear not: come along with me.

Fair Mistress Constance!