_Miran._ No, I have Liberty, Wench, that she wants; what would she give now to be in this _dissabilee_ in the--open Air, nay more, in pursuit of the young Fellow she likes; for that's my Case, I assure thee. _Patch._ As for that, Madam, she's even with you; for tho' she can't come abroad, we have a way to bring him home in spight of old _Argus_. _Miran._ Now _Patch_, your Opinion of my Choice, for here he comes--Ha! my Guardian with him; what can be the meaning of this? I'm sure Sir _Francis_ can't know me in this Dress--Let's observe 'em. (_They withdraw._ _Enter Sir _Francis Gripe_ and Sir _George Airy_._ Sir _Fran._ Verily, Sir _George_, thou wilt repent throwing away thy Money so, for I tell thee sincerely, _Miranda_, my Charge do's not love a young Fellow, they are all vicious, and seldom make good Husbands; in sober Sadness she cannot abide 'em. _Miran._ (_Peeping._) In sober Sadness you are mistaken--what can this mean? Sir _Geo._ Look ye, Sir _Francis_, whether she can or cannot abide young Fellows is not the Business; will you take the fifty Guineas? Sir _Fran._ In good truth--I will not, for I knew thy Father, he was a hearty wary Man, and I cannot consent that his Son should squander away what he sav'd, to no purpose. _Mirand._ (_Peeping._) Now, in the Name of Wonder, what Bargain can he be driving about me for fifty Guineas? _Patch._ I wish it ben't for the first Night's Lodging, Madam. Sir _Geo._ Well, Sir _Francis_, since you are so conscientious for my Father's sake, then permit me the Favour, _Gratis_. _Miran._ (_Peeping._) The Favour! Oh my Life! I believe 'tis as you said, _Patch_. Sir _Fran._ No verily, if thou dost not buy thy Experience, thou wou'd never be wise; therefore give me a Hundred and try Fortune. Sir _Geo._ The Scruples arose, I find, from the scanty Sum--Let me see--a Hundred Guineas-- (_Takes 'em out of a Purse and chinks 'em._) Ha! they have a very pretty Sound, and a very pleasing Look--But then, _Miranda_--But if she should be cruel-- _Miran._ (_Peeping._) As Ten to One I shall-- Sir _Fran._ Ay, do consider on't, He, he, he, he. Sir _Geo._ No, I'll do't. _Patch._ Do't, what, whether you will or no, Madam? Sir _Geo._ Come to the Point, here's the Gold, sum up the Conditions-- Sir _Fran._ (_Pulling out a Paper_.) _Miran._ (_Peeping_.) Ay for Heaven's sake do, for my Expectation is on the Rack. Sir _Fran._ Well at your own Peril be it. Sir _Geo._ Aye, aye, go on. Sir _Fran._ _Imprimis_, you are to be admitted into my House in order to move your Suit to _Miranda_, for the space of Ten Minutes, without Lett or Molestation, provided I remain in the same Room. Sir _Geo._ But out of Ear shot-- Sir _Fran._ Well, well, I don't desire to hear what you say, Ha, ha, ha, in consideration I am to have that Purse and a hundred Guineas. Sir _Geo._ Take it-- (_Gives him the Purse_. _Miran._ (_Peeping_.) So, 'tis well it's no worse, I'll fit you both--