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182 WILLIAM CONGREVE [ACT v
Say. You shall prevail; I would break off in the middle
of a sermon to do you a pleasure.
Mask. You could not do me a greater,—except—the
business in hand.—Have you provided a habit for Mellefont?
Say. I have; they are ready in my chamber, together with
a clean starched band and cuffs.
Mask. Good, let them be carried to him.—Have you
stitched the gown sleeve, that he may be puzzled, and waste
time in putting it on?
Say. I have; the gown will not be indued without perplexity.
Mask. Meet me in half an hour here in your own chamber.
When Cynthia comes let there be no light, and do
not speak, that she may not distinguish you from Mellefont.
I'll urge haste to excuse your silence.
Say. You have no more commands?
Mask. None; your text is short.
Say. But pithy, and I will handle it with discretion.
\Exit.
. It will be the first you have so served. [Exit.
SCENE IV
The Same
Enter Lord TOUCHWOOD and MASKWELL.
Lord Touch. Sure I was born to be controlled by those
I should command: my very slaves will shortly give me
rules how I shall govern them.
Mast^. I am concerned to see your lordship discomposed.
Lord Touch. Have you seen my wife lately, or disobliged
her?
Mas\. No, my lord.—\Aside.] What can this mean?
Lord Touch. Then Mellefont has urged somebody to incense
her.—Something she has heard of you which carries
her beyond the bounds of patience.
Mas\. \Asidc.] This I feared.—\Ahud.] Did not your
lordship tell her of the honours you designed me?
Lord Touch. Yes.
Mas\. Tis that; you know my lady has a high spirit, she
thinks I am unworthy.