_Foss._ There are now no more secrets between us. Man and wife are one.
'Madam, either I mistake the encouragement I have had, or I am to be happy to-night. I hope the same person will compleat her good offices: I stand to articles. The ring is a fine one; and I shall have the pleasure of putting it on the first time.'
In the name of Beelzebub, what is this? encouragement! happy to-night! same person! good offices! whom hast thou married, poor Fossile? couldst thou not still divert thyself with the spoils of quarries and coal-pits, thy serpents and thy salamanders, but thou must have a living monster too! 'sdeath! what a jest shall I be to our club! is there no rope among my curiosities? shall I turn her out of doors, and proclaim my infamy; or lock her up and bear my misfortunes? lock her up! impossible. One may shut up volatile spirits, pen up the air, confine bears, lyons and tygers, nay, keep even your gold: but a wanton wife, who can keep?
_Town._ Mrs. Clinket's play is to be read this morning at the tea-table: will you come and divert yourself, Sir?
_Town._ I hope my company is not troublesome already. I am as yet a bride; not a wife. [_sighs._] What means this sudden change? [_Aside._] Consider, Mr. Fossile, you want your natural rest: the bed would refresh you. Let me sit by you.
_Foss._ My head akes, and the bed always makes it worse.
_Foss._ No, I'll dissemble my passion, and pump her. [_Aside._] Excess of joy, my dear, for my good fortune overcomes me. I am somewhat vertiginous, I can hardly stand.
_Town._ I hope I was ordain'd for thy support.
_Foss._ My disorder now begins to dissipate: it was only a little flatulency, occasion'd by something hard of digestion. But pray, my dear, did your uncle shut you up so close from the conversation of mankind?
_Town._ Sarsnet and Shock were my only company.
_Foss._ A very prudent young woman this Sarsnet; she was undoubtedly a good and faithful friend in your solitude.
_Town._ When it was her interest; but I made no intimacies with my chamber-maid.
_Foss._ But was there no lover offer'd his service to a lady in distress.
_Town._ Tongue, be upon thy guard: these questions must be design'd to trap me. [_Aside._] A woman of my condition can't well escape importunity.