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SCENE iv] THE DOUBLE-DEALER 159
said all I could, but can't prevail.—Then my friendship to
you has carried me a little farther in this matter—
Sir Paul. Indeed!—Well, sir—[Aside.] I'll dissemble with
him a little.
Care. Why, faith, I have in my time known honest
gentlemen abused by a pretended coyness in their wives, and
I had a mind to try my lady's virtue:—and when I could
not prevail for you, 'gad I pretended to be in love myself.
—But all in vain; she would not hear a word upon that
subject; then I writ a letter to her; I don't know what effects
that will have, but I'll be sure to tell you when I do; though
by this light, I believe her virtue is impregnable.
Sir Paul. D Providence! Providence! what discoveries arc
here made; why this is better and more miraculous than
the rest.
Care. What do you mean?
Sir Paul. I can't tell you, I'm so overjoyed; come along
with me to my lady, I can't contain myself; come my dear
friend.
Care. [Aside.] So, so, so, this difficulty's over. [Exeunt.
SCENE IV
The Same
Enter MELLEFONT and MASKWELL from different dovrs.
Mel. Maskwell! I have been looking for you—'tis within
a quarter of eight.
MasJ(. My lady has just gone into my lord's closet; you
had best steal into her chamber before she comes, and lie
concealed there, otherwise she may lock the door when we
are together, and you not easily get in to surprise us.
Mel. He! you say true.
Mas\. You had best make haste; for after she has made
some apology to the company for her own and my lord's
absence all this while, she'll retire to her chamber instantly.
Mel. I go this moment. Now Fortune, I defy thec!
[Exit.
Mas\. I confess you may be allowed to be secure in your
own opinion; the appearance is very fair, but I have an