Act 2, Scene 3 Summary

Allwit is getting ready for the baby's christening; he enters wearing one of Sir Walter's suits while Davy is attempting to help him dress. Two Puritan women and the Gossips, who arrive to witness the ceremony, congratulate Allwit on his good fortune. Touchwood Junior and Moll arrive next and Touchwood Junior tells Moll that he has the ring. Then Sir Walter joins the couple, thanks them for agreeing to be the godparents, and offers them a toast. The group prepares to walk to the church.

Act 2, Scene 3 Analysis

In this case, Middleton used the term "Gossips" to refer loosely to friends who were invited to witness the christening ceremony. It was common to include a small group of Gossips to stand up with the child and vouch for the child's parentage in the community. In this case, to avoid suspicion, Sir...