Page:The Story of Nell Gwyn.djvu/46

30 and a fine full vein of humour, a woman, in short, that teases, and at last reforms and marries, the lover she is true to. The humour of the following dialogue will allow the reader to imagine much of the bye-play conducive to its success.

Lady Wealthy.—When will I marry you! When will I love ye, you should ask first.

Welbred.—Why! don't ye?

Lady W.—Why, do I? Did you ever hear me say I did?

Welbred.—I never heard you say you did not.

Lady W.—I'll say so now, then, if you long.

Welbred.—By no means. Say not a thing in haste you may repent at leisure.

Lady W.—Come, leave your fooling, or I'll swear it.

Welbred.—Don't, widow, for then you'll lie too.

Lady W.—Indeed it seems 'tis for my money you would have me.

Welbred.—For that, and something else you have.

Lady W.—Well, I'll lay a wager thou hast lost all thy money at play, for then you're always in a marrying humour. But, d'ye hear, gentleman, d'ye think to gain me with this careless way, or that I will marry one I don't think is in love with me?

Welbred.—Why, I am.

Lady W.—Then you would not be so merry. People in love are sad, and many times weep.

Welbred.—That will never do for thee, widow.

Lady W.—And why?

Welbred.—'Twould argue me a child; and I am confident if thou didst not verily believe I were a man, I should ne'er be thy husband Weep for thee!—ha! ha! ha!—if e'er I do!

Lady W.—Go, hang yourself.

Welbred.—Thank you, for your advice.

Lady W.—When, then, shall I see you again?

Welbred.—When I have a mind to it. Come, I'll lead you to your coach for once.

Lady W.—And I'll let you for once.