Scene IV A Room in Sir Tunbelly Clumsy’s House. Miss Hoyden Discovered Alone
MISS HOYDEN.
Sure, nobody was ever used as I am! I know well enough what other girls do, for all they think to make a fool o’ me. It’s well I have a husband a-coming, or ecod I’d marry the baker, I would so. Nobody can knock at the gate, but presently I must be locked up; and here’s the young greyhound can run loose about the house all the day, so she can.—’Tis very well!
NURSE.
[Without opening the door.] Miss Hoyden! miss, miss, miss! Miss Hoyden!
Enter NURSE.
MISS HOYDEN.
Well, what do you make such a noise for, eh? What do you din a body’s ears for? Can’t one be at quiet for you?
NURSE.
What do I din your ears for? Here’s one come will din your ears for you.
MISS HOYDEN.
What care I who’s come? I care not a fig who comes, or who goes, so long as I must be locked up like the ale-cellar.
NURSE.
That, miss, is for fear you should be drank before you are ripe.
MISS HOYDEN.
Oh, don’t trouble your head about that; I’m as ripe as you, though not so mellow.
NURSE.
Very well! Now I have a good mind to lock you up again, and not let you see my lord tonight.
MISS HOYDEN.
My lord: why, is my husband come?
NURSE.
Yes, marry, is he; and a goodly person too.
MISS HOYDEN.
[Hugs NURSE.] Oh, my dear nurse, forgive me this once, and I’ll never misuse you again; no, if I do, you shall give me three thumps on the back, and a great pinch by the cheek.
NURSE.
Ah, the poor thing! see now it melts; it’s as full of good-nature as an egg’s full of meat.
MISS HOYDEN.
But, my dear nurse, don’t lie now—is he come, by your troth?
NURSE.
Yes, by my truly, is he.
MISS HOYDEN.
O Lord! I’ll go and put on my laced tucker, though I’m locked up for a month for’t. [Exeunt.
MISS HOYDEN goes off capering, and twirling her doll by its leg.]