ill you the bearer be
Of this to one has cause to thank you, too,
Though I the larger debtor?--Read it, sir.

_True_. [Reading the letter.] "At morn to-morrow I will make you mine;
Will you accept from me the name of wife--
The name of husband give me in exchange?"

_Wal_. How say you, sir?

_True_. 'Tis boldly--nobly done!

_Wal_. If she consents--which affectation 'twere
To say I doubt--bid her prepare for church,
And you shall act the father, sir, to her
You did the brother by.

_True_. Right willingly,
Though matter of high moment I defer,
Mind, heart, and soul, are all enlisted in!

_Wal_. May I implore you, haste! A time is set!--
How light an act of duty makes the heart!

[They go out together.]

SCENE III.--Another Chamber in Sir William's house.

[CONSTANCE discovered.]

_Con_. I'll pine to death for no man! Wise it were,
Indeed, to die for neighbour Wildrake--No!--
I know the duty of a woman, better--
What fits a maid of spirit! I am out
Of patience with myself, to cast a thought
Away upon him. Hang him! Lovers cost
Nought but the pains of luring. I'll get fifty,
And break the heart of every one of them!
I will! I'll be the champion of my sex,
And take revenge on shallow, fickle man,
Who gives his heart to fools, and slights the worth
Of proper women! I suppose she's handsome!
My face 'gainst hers, at hazard of mine eyes!
A maid of mind! I'll talk her to a stand,
Or tie my tongue for life! A maid of soul!
An artful, managing, dissembling one!
Or she had never caught. Him!--he's no man
To fall in love himself, or long ago
I warrant he had fall'n in love with me!
I hate the fool--I do! Ha, here he comes.
What brings him hither? Let me dry my eyes;
He must not see I have been crying. Hang him,
I have much to do, indeed, to cry for him!

[Enter WILDRAKE]

_Wild_. Your servant, neighbour Constance.

_Con_. Servant, sir!
Now what, I wonder, comes the fool to say,
Makes him look so important?

_Wild_. Neighbour Constance,
I am a happy man.

_Con_. What makes you so?

_Wild_. A thriving suit.

_Con_. In Chancery?

_Wild_. Oh, no!
In love.

_Con_. Oh, true! You are in love! Go on!

_Wild_. Well, as I said, my suit's a thriving one.

_Con_. You mean you are beloved again!--I don't
Believe it.

_Wild_. I can give you proof.

_Con_. What proof?
Love letters? She's a shameless maid
To write them! Can she spell? Ay, I suppose
With pr