Act 2, Scene 2 Summary

Lucy stands alone on the North Parade, an open area in Bath often used for military ceremonies. While she waits for Sir Lucius O'Trigger, she contemplates weather Lydia's newest suitor, Captain Absolute, will also pay her bribes.

When Sir Lucius arrives, Lucy gives him a note supposedly written by Lydia. As he reads the note aloud, it is clear that Mrs. Malaprop has written it. She confuses "induction" with "seduction" and "superfluous" with "superficial" making the note quite humorous. Sir Lucius wonders at how one so young (he believes that 17-year-old Lydia has penned the note) can be such a "mistress of language." Lucy says it is a result of Lydia's extensive reading.

Lucius pays Lucy for delivering the note and gives her a kiss as he leaves. When Lucy says her lady would not like Lucius to be so fresh...