_Sid._ Ha, ha, ha! no doubt on it, Mrs. Betty;--but you mentioned something of a dark walk,--kissing,--a sweetheart and Constantia.
_Bet._ [_Starts into a cautious hypocrisy_.] O! lud! sir--I don't know any thing of the matter: she may be very honest for aught I know: I only say, that they did meet in the dark walk,--and all the servants observe that Miss Constantia wears her stays very loose--looks very pale--is sick in a morning, and after dinner: and, as sure as my name is Betty Hint, something has happened that I won't name,--but--nine months hence--a certain person in this family may ask me to stand godmother, for I think I know what's what, when I see it as well as another.
_Bet_. [_Cries, turns up her eyes, and acts a most friendly hypocrisy_.] I do, indeed, sir. I am very sorry for Miss Constantia. I never thought she would have taken such courses--for in truth I love her as if she was my own sister; and though all the servants say that she is breeding--yet, for my part, I don't believe it; but--one must speak according to one's conscience, you know, sir.
_Bet_. [_Going and returning_.] I do indeed, sir: and so your servant, sir--but--I hope your worship won't mention my name in this business;--or that you had any _item_ from me.
_Bet_. For, indeed, sir, I am no busybody, nor do I love fending nor proving; and, I assure you, sir, I hate all tittling and tattling, and gossiping and backbiting, and taking away a person's good name.
_Set_. I do indeed, sir. I am the farthest from it in the world.
_Bet_. I am indeed, sir, and so your humble servant.
_Bet_. [_Aside, in great exultation_.] So! I see he believes every word I say,--that's charming. I'll do her business for her I am resolved. [_Exit._
_Sid_. What can this ridiculous creature mean by her dark walk,--her private spark, her kissing, and all her slanderous insinuations against Constantia, whose conduct is as unblamable as innocence itself? I see envy is as malignant in a paltry waiting wench, as in the vainest or most ambitious lady of the court.--It is always an infallible mark of the basest nature; and merit in the lowest, as well as in the highest station, must feel the shaft of envy's constant agents--falsehood and slander.