Act 5, Scene 3 Summary

Mrs. Marwood and Fainall enter and demand that Lady Wishfort sign the papers turning over the money to Fainall. Lady Wishfort replies that she cannot sign it because Millamant has agreed to marry Sir Wilfull. Fainall does not believe Millamant is sincere, but argues that Lady Wishfort must still turn over his wife's fortune or risk public disgrace. Lady Wishfort laments the fact that Fainall is blackmailing her. Mirabell offers his advice, and asks that Lady Wishfort allow Millamant to marry him as "compensation" for his help. However, he adds that he will help her no matter what.

Lady Wishfort agrees, and offers Millamant to him if he can save her from Fainall's accusations. Mirabell then exposes Fainall's affair with Mrs. Marwood with testimony from Mrs. Fainall, Foible and Mincing. This does not deter Fainall, who threatens once more to expose...