Scene VI.

The Way of the World

by William Congreve

MRS. FAINALL, FOIBLE.

MRS. FAINALL
O Foible, I have been in a fright, lest I
should come too late. That devil, Marwood, saw you in the park with
Mirabell, and I'm afraid will discover it to my lady.

FOIBLE
Discover what, madam?

MRS. FAINALL
Nay, nay, put not on that strange face. I am
privy to the whole design, and know that Waitwell, to whom thou wert
this morning married, is to personate Mirabell's uncle, and, as such
winning my lady, to involve her in those difficulties from which
Mirabell only must release her, by his making his conditions to have
my cousin and her fortune left to her own disposal.

FOIBLE
O dear madam, I beg your pardon. It was not my
confidence in your ladyship that was deficient; but I thought the
former good correspondence between your ladyship and Mr. Mirabell
might have hindered his communicating this secret.

MRS. FAINALL
Dear Foible, forget that.

FOIBLE
O dear madam, Mr. Mirabell is such a sweet winning
gentleman. But your ladyship is the pattern of generosity. Sweet
lady, to be so good! Mr. Mirabell cannot choose but be grateful. I
find your ladyship has his heart still. Now, madam, I can safely
tell your ladyship our success: Mrs. Marwood had told my lady, but I
warrant I managed myself. I turned it all for the better. I told my
lady that Mr. Mirabell railed at her. I laid horrid things to his
charge, I'll vow; and my lady is so incensed that she'll be
contracted to Sir Rowland to-night, she says; I warrant I worked her
up that he may have her for asking for, as they say of a Welsh
maidenhead.

MRS. FAINALL
O rare Foible!

FOIBLE
Madam, I beg your ladyship to acquaint Mr. Mirabell
of his success. I would be seen as little as possible to speak to
him-- besides, I believe Madam Marwood watches me. She has a month's
mind; but I know Mr. Mirabell can't abide her. [Calls.] John,
remove my lady's toilet. Madam, your servant. My lady is so
impatient, I fear she'll come for me, if I stay.

MRS. FAINALL
I'll go with you up the back stairs, lest I
should meet her.