The Way of the World: Scene VIII.
Scene VIII.
[To them] MRS. MILLAMANT, SIR WILFULL.
SIR WILFULL WITWOUD
Aunt, your servant.
LADY WISHFORT
Out, caterpillar, call not me aunt; I know thee not.
SIR WILFULL WITWOUD
I confess I have been a little in disguise, as they say.
'Sheart! and I'm sorry for't. What would you have? I hope I
committed no offence, aunt--and if I did I am willing to make
satisfaction; and what can a man say fairer? If I have broke
anything I'll pay for't, an it cost a pound. And so let that
content for what's past, and make no more words. For what's to
come, to pleasure you I'm willing to marry my cousin. So, pray,
let's all be friends, she and I are agreed upon the matter before a
witness.
LADY WISHFORT
How's this, dear niece? Have I any comfort? Can this be
true?
MILLAMANT
I am content to be a sacrifice to your repose, madam, and to
convince you that I had no hand in the plot, as you were
misinformed. I have laid my commands on Mirabell to come in person,
and be a witness that I give my hand to this flower of knighthood;
and for the contract that passed between Mirabell and me, I have
obliged him to make a resignation of it in your ladyship's presence.
He is without and waits your leave for admittance.
LADY WISHFORT
Well, I'll swear I am something revived at this testimony of
your obedience; but I cannot admit that traitor,--I fear I cannot
fortify myself to support his appearance. He is as terrible to me
as a Gorgon: if I see him I swear I shall turn to stone, petrify
incessantly.
MILLAMANT
If you disoblige him he may resent your refusal, and insist
upon the contract still. Then 'tis the last time he will be
offensive to you.
LADY WISHFORT
Are you sure it will be the last time? If I were sure of
that--shall I never see him again?
MILLAMANT
Sir Wilfull, you and he are to travel together, are you not?
SIR WILFULL WITWOUD
'Sheart, the gentleman's a civil gentleman, aunt, let him
come in; why, we are sworn brothers and fellow-travellers. We are
to be Pylades and Orestes, he and I
He is to be my interpreter in
foreign parts. He has been overseas once already; and with proviso
that I marry my cousin, will cross 'em once again, only to bear me
company. 'Sheart, I'll call him in,--an I set on't once, he shall
come in; and see who'll hinder him. [Goes to the door and hems.]
MRS. MARWOOD
This is precious fooling, if it would pass; but I'll know
the bottom of it.
LADY WISHFORT
O dear Marwood, you are not going?
MRS. MARWOOD
Not far, madam; I'll return immediately.