Eger. Yes, yes, it is her hand; I know it well, sir.

Sir Per. Madam, will you look at it? perhaps it may be forged.

Lady Mac. No, sir, it is no forgery.—­Well! after this, I think I shall never trust human nature.

Sir Per. Now, madam, what amends can you make me for countenancing your son’s passion for sic a strumpet?  And you, sir, what have you to say for your disobedience and your frenzy?  O!  Charles, Charles—­

Eger. Pray, sir, be patient; compose yourself a moment:  I will make you any compensation in my power.

Sir Per. Then instantly sign the articles of marriage.

Eger. The lady, sir, has never yet been consulted; and I have some reason to believe that her heart is engaged to another man.

Sir Per. Sir, that is nai business of yours.—­I know she will consent and that’s aw we are to consider.—­O! here comes my lord.

    Enter Lord LUMBERCOURT.

Lord Lum. Sir Pertinax, ever thing is ready, and the lawyers wait for us.

Sir Per. We attend your lordship.  Where is Lady Rodolpha?

Lord Lum. Giving some female consolation to poor Constantia.—­Why, my lady, ha, ha, ha!  I hear your vestal has been flirting.

Sir Per. Yes, yes, my lord, she is in vary guid order for any man that wants a wife and an heir till his estate intill the bargain.

    Enter SAM.

Sam. Sir, there is a man below that wants to speak to your honour upon particular business.

Sir Per. Sir, I cannot speak till any body now—­he must come another time;—­hand—­stay—­what—­is he a gentleman?

Sam. He looks something like one, sir—­a sort of a gentleman—­but he seems to be in a kind of a passion, for when I asked his name, he answered hastily, it is no matter, friend,—­go, tell your master there is a gentleman here that must speak to him directly.

Sir Per. Must! ha? vary peremptory indeed; pr’ythee, let’s see him for curiosity sake. [Exit Sam.

    Enter Lady RODOLPHA.

Lady Rod. O! my Lady Macsycophant, I am come an humble advocate for a weeping piece of female frailty, wha begs she may be permitted to speak till your ladyship, before you finally reprobate her.

Sir Per. I beg your pardon, Lady Rodolpha, but it must not be:  see her she shall not.

Lady Mac. Nay, there can be no harm, my dear, in hearing what she has to say for herself.

Sir Per. I tell you, it shall not be.

Lady Mac. Well, my dear, I have done.

    Enter SAM and MELVILLE.

Sam. Sir, that is my master.

Sir Per. Weel, sir, what is your urgent business with me?

Mel. To shun disgrace, and punish baseness.