Scene VIII.

The Way of the World

by William Congreve

[To him] WAITWELL, FOIBLE.

MIRABELL
Sirrah, Waitwell, why, sure, you think you were
married for your own recreation and not for my conveniency.

WAITWELL
Your pardon, sir. With submission, we have indeed
been solacing in lawful delights; but still with an eye to business,
sir. I have instructed her as well as I could. If she can take your
directions as readily as my instructions, sir, your affairs are in a
prosperous way.

MIRABELL
Give you joy, Mrs. Foible.

FOIBLE
O--las, sir, I'm so ashamed.--I'm afraid my lady has
been in a thousand inquietudes for me. But I protest, sir, I made as
much haste as I could.

WAITWELL
That she did indeed, sir. It was my fault that she
did not make more.

MIRABELL
That I believe.

FOIBLE
But I told my lady as you instructed me, sir, that I
had a prospect of seeing Sir Rowland, your uncle, and that I would
put her ladyship's picture in my pocket to show him, which I'll be
sure to say has made him so enamoured of her beauty, that he burns
with impatience to lie at her ladyship's feet and worship the
original.

MIRABELL
Excellent Foible! Matrimony has made you eloquent
in love.

WAITWELL
I think she has profited, sir. I think so.

FOIBLE
You have seen Madam Millamant, sir?

MIRABELL
Yes.

FOIBLE
I told her, sir, because I did not know that you
might find an opportunity; she had so much company last night.

MIRABELL
Your diligence will merit more. In the
meantime--[gives money]

FOIBLE
O dear sir, your humble servant.

WAITWELL
Spouse -

MIRABELL
Stand off, sir, not a penny. Go on and prosper,
Foible. The lease shall be made good and the farm stocked, if we
succeed.

FOIBLE
I don't question your generosity, sir, and you need
not doubt of success. If you have no more commands, sir, I'll be
gone; I'm sure my lady is at her toilet, and can't dress till I come.
Oh dear, I'm sure that [looking out] was Mrs. Marwood that went by
in a mask; if she has seen me with you I m sure she'll tell my lady.
I'll make haste home and prevent her. Your servant, Sir.--B'w'y,
Waitwell.