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SCENE ii] THE DOUBLE-DEALER 161
Sir Paul. Gadsbud, no matter for that, conscience and law
never go together, you must not expect that.
Lady Ply. Ay, but Sir Paul, I conceive if she has sworn,
d'ye mark me, if she has once sworn, it is most unchristian,
inhuman, and obscene, that she should break it.—\Aside.]
Ill make up the match again, because Mr. Careless said it
would oblige him.
Sir Paul. Does your ladyship conceive so?—Why, I was
of that opinion once too.—Nay, if your ladyship conceive
50, I'm of that opinion again; but I can neither find my
lord nor my lady, to know what they intend.
Lady Ply. I'm satisfied that my Cousin Mellefont has been
much wronged.
Cyn. \Aside.] I'm amazed to find her of our side, for
I'm sure she loved him.
Lady Ply. I know my Lady Touchwood has no kindness
for him; and besides I have been informed by Mr. Careless,
that MellefonL had never any 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 Ply. 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.
Cyn. [ 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 Ply. 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 Ply. O la 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—