_Doric._ Why, supper will be rather more convenient than dinner.--But you are fortunate--if you had ask'd me any other night, I could not have come. _Sir Geo._ To-night!--Gad, now I recollect, we are particularly engaged to-night.--But to-morrow night-- _Doric._ Why look ye, Sir George, 'tis very plain you have no inclination to let me see your wife at all; so here I sit (_throws himself on a sopha._)--There's my hat, and here are my legs.--Now I sha'n't stir till I have seen her; and I have no engagements: I'll breakfast, dine, and sup with you every day this week. _Sir Geo._ Was there ever such a provoking wretch! But, to be plain with you, Doricourt, I and my house are at your service: but you are a damn'd agreeable fellow, and ten years younger than I am; and the women, I observe, always simper when you appear. For these reasons, I had rather, when Lady Frances and I are together, that you should forget we are acquainted, further than a nod, a smile, or a how-d'ye. _Doric._ Very well. _Sir Geo._ It is not merely yourself in _propriâ personâ_ that I object to; but, if you are intimate here, you'll make my house still more the fashion than it is; and it is already so much so, that my doors are of no use to me. I married Lady Frances to engross her to myself; yet such is the blessed freedom of modern manners, that, in spite of me, her eyes, thoughts, and conversation, are continually divided amongst all the Flirts and Coxcombs of Fashion. _Doric._ To be sure, I confess that kind of freedom is carried rather too far. 'Tis hard one can't have a jewel in one's cabinet, but the whole town must be gratified with its lustre. He sha'n't preach me out of seeing his wife, though. _Aside._ _Sir Geo._ Well, now, that's reasonable. When you take time to reflect, Doricourt, I always observe you decide right, and therefore I hope---- _Enter Servant._ _Serv._ Sir, my Lady desires---- _Sir Geo._ I am particularly engaged. _Doric._ Oh, Lord, that shall be no excuse in the world (_leaping from the sopha_). Lead the way, John.--I'll attend your Lady. [_Exit, following the Servant._ _Sir Geo._ What devil possessed me to talk about her!--Here, Doricourt! (_Running after him._) Doricourt! _Enter_ Mrs. Racket, _and_ Miss Ogle, _followed by a Servant_. _Mrs. Rack._ Acquaint your Lady, that Mrs. Racket, and Miss Ogle, are here. [_Exit_ Servant. _Miss Ogle._ I shall hardly know Lady Frances, 'tis so long since I was in Shropshire. _Mrs. Rack._ And I'll be sworn you never saw her _out_ of Shropshire.--Her father kept her locked up with his Caterpillars and Shells; and loved her beyond any thing--but a blue Butterfly, and a petrified Frog!