Act 3, Scene 3 Summary

Captain Jack Absolute is visiting Mrs. Malaprop in her lodgings. Jack flatters and impresses Mrs. Malaprop. She is so pleased with Jack (she calls him the "pineapple of politeness") that she confides in him about his rival, Ensign Beverly. She pulls a letter written by Beverly to Lydia from her pocket. Jack realizes that Lucy has betrayed him.

Mrs. Malaprop asks Jack to read the letter. As he begins to read, he expresses shock at Ensign Beverly's words, particularly his description of Mrs. Malaprop. In the letter, Beverly outlines a plot to fool Mrs. Malaprop into letting him see Lydia again. Beverly boasts that this scheme will even use Mrs. Malaprop the go-between in their meetings. Mrs. Malaprop finds the thought that she would ever be an accessory to a meeting between Beverly and Lydia ludicrous. Jack plays along with her...