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64 WILLIAM CONGREVE [ACT in
ACT THE THIRD
SCENE I
The Street before SILVIA'S Lodging
Enter SILVIA and LUCY.
SILV. Will he not come then?
Lucy. Yes, yes; come! I warrant him, if you will go in and
be ready to receive him.
Silv. Why, did you not tell me?—who mean you?
Lucy. Whom you should mean, Heartwell.
Silv. Senseless 'creature! I meant my Vainlove.
Lucy. You may as soon hope to recover your own maidenhead
as his love. Therefore, e'en set your heart at rest; and
in the name of opportunity mind your own business. Strike
Heartwell home, before the bait's worn off the hook. Age
will come. He nibbled fairly yesterday, and no doubt will be
eager enough to-day to swallow the temptation.
Silv. Well, since there's no remedy—Yet tell me, for I
would know, though to the anguish of my soul, how did he
refuse? Tell me—how did he receive my letter? in anger
or in scorn?
Lucy. Neither; but what was ten times worse, with
damned senseless indifference. By this light, I could have
spit in his face! Received it! why he received it as I would
one of your lovers that should come empty-handed; as a
court lord does his mercer's bill, or a begging dedication—he
received it as if't had been a letter from his wife.
Silv. What, did he not read it?
Lucy. Hummed it over, gave you his respects, and said
he would take time to peruse it—but then he was in haste.
Silv. Respects, and peruse it! He's gone, and Araminta has
bewitched him from me! D how the name of rival fires my
blood! I could curse 'em both; eternal jealousy attend her
love, and disappointment meet his! Dh that I could revenge
the torment he has caused! Methinks I feel the woman
strong within me, and vengeance kindles in the room of
love.