Scene II Charing Cross
Enter Mr. Sealand and Humphry.
Mr. Seal. I am very glad, Mr. Humphry, that you agree with me that it is for our common good I should look thoroughly into this matter.
Humph. I am, indeed, of that opinion; for there is no artifice, nothing concealed, in our family, which ought in justice to be known. I need not desire you, sir, to treat the lady with care and respect.
Mr. Seal. Master Humphry, I shall not be rude, though I design to be a little abrupt, and come into the matter at once, to see how she will bear upon a surprise.
Humph. That’s the door, sir; I wish you success.—[While Humphry speaks, Sealand consults his table book.]—I am less concerned what happens there, because I hear Mr. Myrtle is well lodged as old Sir Geoffry; so I am willing to let this gentleman employ himself here, to give them time at home; for I am sure ’tis necessary for the quiet of our family Lucinda were disposed of out of it, since Mr. Bevil’s inclination is so much otherwise engaged. [Exit.
Mr. Seal. I think this is the door. [Knocks.] I’ll carry this matter with an air of authority, to inquire, though I make an errand, to begin discourse. [Knocks again, and enter a foot-boy.] So young man! is your lady within?
Boy. Alack, sir! I am but a country boy—I dant know whether she is or noa; but an you’ll stay a bit, I’ll goa and ask the gentlewoman that’s with her.
Mr. Seal. Why, sirrah, though you are a country boy, you can see, can’t you? You know whether she is at home, when you see her, don’t you?
Boy. Nay, nay, I’m not such a country lad neither, master, to think she’s at home because I see her. I have been in town but a month, and I lost one place already for believing my own eyes.
Mr. Seal. Why, sirrah! have you learnt to lie already?
Boy. Ah, master! things that are lies in the country are not lies at London. I begin to know my business a little better than so—But an you please to walk in, I’ll call a gentlewoman to you that can tell you for certain—she can make bold to ask my lady herself.
Mr. Seal. Oh! then, she is within, I find, though you dare not say so.
Boy. Nay, nay! that’s neither here nor there: what’s matter whether she is within or no, if she has not a mind to see anybody?
Mr. Seal. I can’t tell, sirrah, whether you are arch or simple; but, however, get me a direct answer, and here’s a shilling for you.
Boy. Will you please to walk in; I’ll see what I can do for you.
Mr. Seal. I see you will be fit for your business in time, child; but I expect to meet with nothing but extraordinaries in such a house.
Boy. Such a house! Sir, you han’t seen it yet. Pray walk in.
Mr. Seal. Sir, I’ll wait upon you. [Exeunt.