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95 WILLIAM CONGREVE [ACT v
Bell. True. But to convince thee who I am, thou knowest
my old token. [Kisses her.
Lucy. Nay, Mr. Bellmour: O Lard! I believe you are a
parson in good earnest, you kiss so devoutly.
Bell. Well, your business with me, Lucy?
Lucy. I had none, but through mistake.
Bell. Which mistake you must go through with, Lucy.
—Come, I know the intrigue between Heartwell and your
mistress; and you mistook me for Tribulation Spintext, to
marry 'em—ha? are not matters in this posture?—Confess;
come, I'll be faithful, I will i'faith.—What, diffide 12 in me,
Lucy?
Lucy. Alas-a-day; you and Mr. Vainlove between you, have
ruined my poor mistress; you have made a gap in her
reputation; and can you blame her if she make it up with a
husband?
Bell. Well, is it as I say?
Lucy. Well, it is then; but you'll be secret?
Bell. Phuh! secret! ay:—and to be out of thy debt, I'll
trust thee with another secret. Your mistress must not
marry Heartwell, Lucy.
Lucy. How! 0 Lord!
Bell. Nay, don't be in a passion, Lucy,—I'll provide a
fitter husband for her.—Come, here's earnest of my good
intentions for thee too; let this mollify.—[Gives her money.]
Look you, Heartwell is my friend; and though he be
blind, I must not see him fall into the snare, and unwittingly
marry a whore.
Lucy. Whore! I'd have you to know my mistress scorns—
Bell. Nay, nay; look you, Lucy, there arc whores of as
good quality.—But to the purpose, if you will give me leave
to acquaint you with it.—Do you carry on the mistake of
me: I'll marry 'em.—Nay, don't pause; if you do, I'll spoil
all. I have some private reasons for what I do, which I'll
tell you within.—In the mean time, I promise, and rely
upon me, to help your mistress to a husband: nay, and thee
too, Lucy.—Here's my hand, I will, with a fresh assurance.
[Gives her more money.
Lucy. Ah, the devil is not so cunning!—you know my
easy nature. Well, for once I'll venture to serve you; but if
you deceive me, the curse of all kind, tender-hearted women
light upon you I
12 Distrust.