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128 WILLIAM CONGREVE [ACT I
Lord Froth. O, for the universe, not a drop more I beseech
you!—Oh intemperate! I have a flushing in my face
already. [Takes out a pocket-glass, and looks in it.
Brisk. Let me see, let me see, my lord! I broke my glass
that was in the lid of my snuff-box. Hum! deuce take me,
I have encouraged a pimple here too.
[Takes the glass, and looks.
Lord Froth. Then you must mortify him with a patch;
my wife shall supply you. Come, gentlemen, allons, here is
company coming. [Exeunt.
SCENE III
An Apartment in Lord TOUCHWOOD'S House
Enter Lady TDUCHWDOD and MASKWELL.
Lady Touch. I'll hear no more! y'are false and ungrateful.
Come, I know you false.
Mask. I have been frail, I confess, madam, for your
ladyship's service.
Lady Touch. That I should trust a man whom I had
known betray his friend!
Mask. What friend have I betrayed? or to whom?
Lady Touch. Your fond friend Mellefont, and to me; can
you deny it?
Mask. I do not.
Lady Touch. Have you not wronged my lord, who has
been a father to you in your wants, and given you being?
Have you not wronged him in the highest manner, in his
bed?
Mask. With your ladyship's help, and for your service,
as I told you before. I can't deny that neither.—Anything
more, madam?
Lady Touch. More! audacious villain! O, what's more, is
most my shame!—have you not dishonoured me?
Mask. No, that I deny; for I never told in all my life:
so that accusation's answered; on to the next.
Lady Touch. Death, do you dally with my passion?
Insolent devil! But have a care;—provoke me not; for, by
the eternal fire, you shall not 'scape my vengeance!—Calm
villain I How unconcerned he stands, confessing treachery
and ingratitude! Is there a vice more black!—O, I have