_Sir Luke._ Why, then Aurelia, (though I never mention'd it to my Lady Tremor) my friend wrote me word, he had reason to suppose your affections were improperly fixed upon a young gentleman in that neighbourhood; and this was his reason for wishing you to leave that place to come hither--and this continual dejection convinces me my friend was not mistaken--answer me--can you say he was? _Aur._ Why, then, Sir Luke, candidly to confess-- _Sir Luke._ Nay, no tears--why in tears? for a husband? be comforted --we'll get you one ere long, I warrant. _Aur._ Dear, Sir Luke, how can you imagine I am in tears because I have not a husband, while you see Lady Tremor every day in tears for the very opposite cause? _Sir Luke._ No matter--women like a husband through pride--and I have known a woman marry from that very motive, even a man she has been ashamed of. _Aur._ Why, then I dare say, poor Lady Tremor married from pride. _Sir Luke._ Yes;--and I'll let her know pride is painful. _Aur._ But, Sir, her Ladyship's philosophy-- _Sir Luke._ She has no philosophy. _Enter Lady_ Tremor _and_ Twineall. _Sir Luke._ Where is his Lordship? What have you done with him? _Lady._ He's speaking a word to Mr. Meanright about his passport to England.--Did you mean me, Sir Luke, that had no philosophy? I protest, I have a great deal. _Sir Luke._ When? where did you shew it? _Lady._ Why, when the servant at my Lady Grissel's threw a whole urn of boiling water upon your legs, did I give any proofs of female weakness? did I faint, scream, or even shed a tear? _Sir Luke._ No--no--very true--and while I lay sprawling on the carpet, I could see you fanning and holding the smelling bottle to the Lady of the house, begging her not to make herself uneasy, "for that the accident was of no manner of consequence." _Aur._ Dear Sir, don't be angry;--I am sure her Ladyship spoke as she thought. _Sir Luke._ I suppose she did, Miss. _Aur._ I mean--she thought the accident might be easily got the better of--She thought you might be easily recovered. _Lady._ No, indeed, I did not--but I thought Sir Luke had frequently charged me with the want of patience; and that moment, the very thing in the world I cou'd have wished, happened--on purpose to give me an opportunity to prove his accusation false. _Sir Luke._ Very well, Madam--but did not the whole company cry shame on your behaviour? did not they say, it was not the conduct of a wife? _Lady._ Only our particular acquaintance cou'd say so--for the rest of the company, I am sure, did not take me to be your wife--thank Heaven, our appearances never betray that secret--do you think we look like the same flesh and blood? _Sir Luke._ That day, in particular, we did not--for I remember you had been no less than three hours at your toilet.