Wood. I understand thee;—­she fetched me a short turn, like a hare before her muse, and will immediately run hither to covert?

Jud. Yes; but because your chamber will be least suspicious, she appoints to meet you there; that, if her husband should come back, he may think her still abroad, and you may have time—­

Wood. To take in the horn-work.  It happens as I wish; for Mrs Tricksy, and her keeper, are gone out with father Aldo, to complete her settlement; my landlady is safe at her morning exercise with my man Gervase, and her daughter not stirring:  the house is our own, and iniquity may walk bare-faced.

Jud. And, to make all sure, I am ordered to be from home.  When I
come back again, I shall knock at your door, with,
  Speak, brother, speak; [Singing.
  Is the deed done?

Wood. Long ago, long ago;—­and then we come panting out together.  Oh, I am ravished with the imagination on’t!

Jud. Well, I must retire; good-morrow to you, sir. [Exit.

Wood. Now do I humbly conceive, that this mistress in matrimony will give me more pleasure than the former; for your coupled spaniels, when they are once let loose, are afterwards the highest rangers.

  Enter Mrs BRAINSICK, running.

Mrs Brain. Oh dear Mr Woodall, what shall I do?

Wood. Recover breath, and I’ll instruct you in the next chamber.

Mrs Brain. But my husband follows me at heels.

Wood. Has he seen you?

Mrs Brain. I hope not:  I thought I had left him sure enough at the Exchange; but, looking behind me, as I entered into the house, I saw him walking a round rate this way.

Wood. Since he has not seen you, there is no danger; you need but step into my chamber, and there we will lock ourselves up, and transform him in a twinkling.

Mrs Brain. I had rather have got into my own; but Judith is gone out with the key, I doubt.

Wood. Yes, by your appointment.  But so much the better; for when the cuckold finds no company, he will certainly go a sauntering again.

Mrs Brain. Make haste, then.

Wood. Immediately.—­[Goes to open the Door hastily, and breaks his Key.] What is the matter here? the key turns round, and will not open!  As I live, we are undone! with too much haste it is broken!

Mrs Brain. Then I am lost; for I cannot enter into my own.

Wood. This next room is Limberham’s.  See! the door’s open; and he and his mistress are both abroad.

Mrs Brain. There is no remedy, I must venture in; for his knowing I am come back so soon, must be cause of jealousy enough, if the fool should find me.

Wood. [Looking in.] See there!  Mrs Tricksy has left her Indian gown upon the bed; clap it on, and turn your back:  he will easily mistake you for her, if he should look in upon you.