Marpl. Why look you, Madam! if I have committed a fault, thank your self; no Man is more Serviceable when I am let into a Secret, nor none more Unlucky at finding it out.  Who cou’d divine your Meaning, when you talk’d of a Blunderbuss, who thought of a Rendevous? and when you talk’d of a Monkey, who the Devil dreamt of Sir George?

Miran. A sign you converse but little with our Sex, when you can’t reconcile Contradictions.

  Enter Scentwell_._

Scentw. He’s gone, Madam, as fast as the Coach, and Six can carry him.

  Enter Sir George_._

Sir Geo. Then I may appear.

Marpl. Dear, Sir George, make my Peace!  On my Soul, I did not think of you.

Sir Geo. I dare swear thou didst not.  Madam, I beg you to forgive him.

Miran. Well, Sir George, if he can be secret.

Marpl. Ods heart, Madam, I’m as secret as a Priest when I’m trusted.

Sir Geo. Why ’tis with a Priest our Business is at present.

Scentw. Madam, here’s Mrs. Isabinda’s Woman to wait on you.

Miran. Bring her up.

  Enter Patch_._

How do’e, Mrs. Patch, what News from your Lady?

Patch. That’s for your private Ear, Madam.  Sir George, there’s a Friend of yours has an urgent Occasion for your Assistance.

Sir Geo. His Name.

Patch. Charles.

Marpl. Ha! then there is something a-foot that I know nothing of.  I’ll wait on you, Sir George.

Sir Geo. A third Person may not be proper perhaps; as soon as I have dispatch’d my own Affairs, I am at his Service.  I’ll send my Servant to tell him, I’ll wait upon him in half an Hour.

Miran. How come you employ’d in this Message, Mrs. Patch?

Patch. Want of Business, Madam.  I am discharg’d by my Master, but hope to serve my Lady still.

Miran. How discharg’d! you must tell me the whole Story within.

Patch. With all my Heart, Madam.

Marpl. Pish!  Pox, I wish I were fairly out of the House.  I find Marriage is the end of this Secret:  And now I am half mad to know what Charles wants him for.
    (Aside.

Sir Geo. Madam, I’m doubly press’d, by Love and Friendship:  This Exigence admits of no delay.  Shall we make Marplot of the Party?

Miran. If you’ll run the Hazard, Sir George; I believe he means well.

Marpl. Nay, nay, for my part, I desire to be let into nothing:  I’ll begon, therefore pray don’t mistrust me.
    (Going.

Sir Geo. So now has he a mind to be gone to Charles:  but not knowing
what Affairs he may have upon his Hands at present, I’m resolv’d he
sha’n’t stir:  No, Mr. Marplot, you must not leave us, we want a third
Person.
    (Takes hold of him.