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152 WILLIAM CONGREVE [ACT Iv
Lady Ply. O fy, fy, Sir Paul! you'll put me out of countenance—your
very obedient and affectionate wife; that's all,
and highly honoured in that title.
Sir Paul. Gadsbud, I'm transported! give me leave to
kiss your ladyship's hand.
Cyn. [Aside.] That my poor father should be so very
silly.
Lady Ply. My lip, indeed, Sir Paul, I swear you shall.
[He kisses her and bows very Ivw.
Sir Paul. I humbly thank your ladyship.—[ Aside.] I
don't know whether I fly on ground, or walk in air.—Gadsbud!
she was never thus before.—Well, I must own myself
the most beholden to Mr. Careless.—As sure as can be this
is all his doing—something that he has said—well, 'tis a
rare thing to have an ingenious friend.—\Aloud.] Well,
your ladyship is of opinion that the match may go forward?
Lady Ply. By all means; Mr. Careless has satisfied me of
the matter.
Sir Paul. Well, why then, lamb, you may keen your oath,
but have a care of making rash vows; come hither to me,
and kiss papa.
Lady Ply. Mj/We-.l I swear and declare, I'm in such a
twitter to read Mr. Careless's letter, that T can't forbear any
longer.—But though I may read all letters first by prerogative,
yet I'll be sure to be unsuspected this time.—
[Aloud.} Sir Paul!
Sir Paul. Did your ladyship call?
Lady Ply. Nay, not to interrupt you, my dear—only lend
me your letter, which you had from your steward today; I
would look upon the account again, and maybe increase
your allowance.
Sir Paul. There it is, madam; do you want a pen and ink?
[Bows and gives the letter.
Lady Ply. No, no, nothing else, I thank you, Sir Paul.
—\Aside.] So, now I can read my own letter under cover
of his.
Sir Paul. \To CYNTHIA.] He! and wilt thou bring a
grandson at nine month's end, he!—a brave chopping boy?
I'll settle a thousand pound a year upon'the rosue, as soon
as ever he Inoks me in the face; I will, ^adsbud! I'm overjovrd
to think I have any of my family that will bring
children into the world. For I would fain have inme resemblance
of myself in my posterity, hey, Thv? Can't vou