Scene II.

The Way of the World

by William Congreve

[To them] FAINALL and MIRABELL.

MRS. MARWOOD
Ha, ha, ha! he comes opportunely for you.

MRS. FAINALL
For you, for he has brought Mirabell with
him.

FAINALL
My dear.

MRS. FAINALL
My soul.

FAINALL
You don't look well to-day, child.

MRS. FAINALL
D'ye think so?

MIRABELL
He is the only man that does, madam.

MRS. FAINALL
The only man that would tell me so at least,
and the only man from whom I could hear it without mortification.

FAINALL
Oh, my dear, I am satisfied of your tenderness; I
know you cannot resent anything from me; especially what is an effect
of my concern.

MRS. FAINALL
Mr. Mirabell, my mother interrupted you in a
pleasant relation last night: I would fain hear it out.

MIRABELL
The persons concerned in that affair have yet a
tolerable reputation. I am afraid Mr. Fainall will be censorious.

MRS. FAINALL
He has a humour more prevailing than his
curiosity, and will willingly dispense with the hearing of one
scandalous story, to avoid giving an occasion to make another by
being seen to walk with his wife. This way, Mr. Mirabell, and I dare
promise you will oblige us both.