Scene II.

The Way of the World

by William Congreve

MIRABELL and FOOTMAN.

MIRABELL
Well, is the grand affair over? You have been
something tedious.

SERVANT
Sir, there's such coupling at Pancras that they
stand behind one another, as 'twere in a country-dance. Ours was the
last couple to lead up; and no hopes appearing of dispatch, besides,
the parson growing hoarse, we were afraid his lungs would have failed
before it came to our turn; so we drove round to Duke's Place, and
there they were riveted in a trice.

MIRABELL
So, so; you are sure they are married?

SERVANT
Married and bedded, sir; I am witness.

MIRABELL
Have you the certificate?

SERVANT
Here it is, sir.

MIRABELL
Has the tailor brought Waitwell's clothes home, and
the new liveries?

SERVANT
Yes, sir.

MIRABELL
That's well. Do you go home again, d'ye hear, and
adjourn the consummation till farther order; bid Waitwell shake his
ears, and Dame Partlet rustle up her feathers, and meet me at one a'
clock by Rosamond's pond, that I may see her before she returns to
her lady. And, as you tender your ears, be secret.