e by a servant in the morning. Upon
the perusal I found the contents so charming that I could think of
nothing all day but putting 'em in practice, until just now, the first
time I ever looked upon the superscription, I am the most surprised in
the world to find it directed to Mr. Vainlove. Gad, madam, I ask you a
million of pardons, and will make you any satisfaction.

LAET. I am discovered. And either Vainlove is not guilty, or he has
handsomely excused him. [_Aside_.]

BELL. You appear concerned, madam.

LAET. I hope you are a gentleman;--and since you are privy to a weak
woman's failing, won't turn it to the prejudice of her reputation. You
look as if you had more honour--

BELL. And more love, or my face is a false witness and deserves to be
pilloried. No, by heaven, I swear--

LAET. Nay, don't swear if you'd have me believe you; but promise--

BELL. Well, I promise. A promise is so cold: give me leave to swear, by
those eyes, those killing eyes, by those healing lips. Oh! press the
soft charm close to mine, and seal 'em up for ever.

LAET. Upon that condition. [_He kisses her_.]

BELL. Eternity was in that moment. One more, upon any condition!

LAET. Nay, now--I never saw anything so agreeably impudent. [_Aside_.]
Won't you censure me for this, now?--but 'tis to buy your silence.
[_Kiss_.] Oh, but what am I doing!

BELL. Doing! No tongue can express it--not thy own, nor anything, but
thy lips. I am faint with the excess of bliss. Oh, for love-sake, lead
me anywhither, where I may lie down --quickly, for I'm afraid I shall
have a fit.

LAET. Bless me! What fit?

BELL. Oh, a convulsion--I feel the symptoms.

LAET. Does it hold you long? I'm afraid to carry you into my chamber.

BELL. Oh, no: let me lie down upon the bed; the fit will be soon over.

SCENE VIII.

SCENE: _St. James's Park_.

ARAMINTA _and_ BELINDA _meeting_.

BELIN. Lard, my dear, I am glad I have met you; I have been at the
Exchange since, and am so tired--

ARAM. Why, what's the matter?

BELIN. Oh the most inhuman, barbarous hackney-coach! I am jolted to a
jelly. Am I not horribly touzed? [_Pulls out a pocket-glass_.]

ARAM. Your head's a little out of order.

BELIN. A little! O frightful! What a furious phiz I have! O most
rueful! Ha, ha, ha. O Gad, I hope nobody will come this way, till I
have put myself a little in repair. Ah! my dear, I have seen such unhewn
creatures