r. Careless, that Mellefont had never
anything more than a profound respect. That he has owned himself to be
my admirer 'tis true, but he was never so presumptuous to entertain any
dishonourable notions of things; so that if this be made plain, I don't
see how my daughter can in conscience, or honour, or anything in the
world--

SIR PAUL. Indeed if this be made plain, as my lady, your mother, says,
child--

LADY PLYANT. Plain! I was informed of it by Mr. Careless. And I assure
you, Mr. Careless is a person that has a most extraordinary respect and
honour for you, Sir Paul.

CYNT. [_Aside_.] And for your ladyship too, I believe, or else you had
not changed sides so soon; now I begin to find it.

SIR PAUL. I am much obliged to Mr. Careless really; he is a person that
I have a great value for, not only for that, but because he has a great
veneration for your ladyship.

LADY PLYANT. O las, no indeed, Sir Paul, 'tis upon your account.

SIR PAUL. No, I protest and vow, I have no title to his esteem, but in
having the honour to appertain in some measure to your ladyship, that's
all.

LADY PLYANT. O law now, I swear and declare it shan't be so; you're too
modest, Sir Paul.

SIR PAUL. It becomes me, when there is any comparison made between--

LADY PLYANT. O fie, fie, Sir Paul, you'll put me out of countenance.
Your very obedient and affectionate wife; that's all. And highly
honoured in that title.

SIR PAUL. Gads-bud, I am transported! Give me leave to kiss your
ladyship's hand.

CYNT. That my poor father should be so very silly! [_Aside_.]

LADY PLYANT. My lip indeed, Sir Paul, I swear you shall. [_He kisses
her_, _and bows very low_.]

SIR PAUL. I humbly thank your ladyship. I don't know whether I fly on
ground, or walk in air. Gads-bud, she was never thus before. Well, I
must own myself the most beholden to Mr. Careless. As sure as can be,
this is all his doing, something that he has said; well, 'tis a rare
thing to have an ingenious friend. Well, your ladyship is of opinion
that the match may go forward.

LADY PLYANT. By all means. Mr. Careless has satisfied me of the matter.

SIR PAUL. Well, why then, lamb, you may keep your oath, but have a care
about making rash vows; come hither to me, and kiss papa.

LADY PLYANT. I swear and declare, I am in such a twitter to read Mr.
Careless his letter, that I can't forbear any longer. But though I may
read all letters first by prer