SIR PAUL. Gads-bud, no matter for that, conscience and law never go together; you must not expect that. LADY PLYANT. Ay, but, Sir Paul, I conceive if she has sworn, d'ye mark me, if she has once sworn, it is most unchristian, inhuman, and obscene that she should break it. I'll make up the match again, because Mr. Careless said it would oblige him. [_Aside_.] SIR PAUL. Does your ladyship conceive so? Why, I was of that opinion once too. Nay, if your ladyship conceives so, I'm of that opinion again; but I can neither find my lord nor my lady to know what they intend. LADY PLYANT. I'm satisfied that my cousin Mellefont has been much wronged. CYNT. [_Aside_.] I'm amazed to find her of our side, for I'm sure she loved him. LADY PLYANT. I know my Lady Touchwood has no kindness for him; and besides I have been informed by Mr. Careless, that Mellefont had never anything more than a profound respect. That he has owned himself to be my admirer 'tis true, but he was never so presumptuous to entertain any dishonourable notions of things; so that if this be made plain, I don't see how my daughter can in conscience, or honour, or anything in the world-- SIR PAUL. Indeed if this be made plain, as my lady, your mother, says, child-- LADY PLYANT. Plain! I was informed of it by Mr. Careless. And I assure you, Mr. Careless is a person that has a most extraordinary respect and honour for you, Sir Paul. CYNT. [_Aside_.] And for your ladyship too, I believe, or else you had not changed sides so soon; now I begin to find it. SIR PAUL. I am much obliged to Mr. Careless really; he is a person that I have a great value for, not only for that, but because he has a great veneration for your ladyship. LADY PLYANT. O las, no indeed, Sir Paul, 'tis upon your account. SIR PAUL. No, I protest and vow, I have no title to his esteem, but in having the honour to appertain in some measure to your ladyship, that's all. LADY PLYANT. O law now, I swear and declare it shan't be so; you're too modest, Sir Paul. SIR PAUL. It becomes me, when there is any comparison made between-- LADY PLYANT. O fie, fie, Sir Paul, you'll put me out of countenance. Your very obedient and affectionate wife; that's all. And highly honoured in that title. SIR PAUL. Gads-bud, I am transported! Give me leave to kiss your ladyship's hand. CYNT. That my poor father should be so very silly! [_Aside_.] LADY PLYANT. My lip indeed, Sir Paul, I swear you shall. [_He kisses her_, _and bows very low_.] SIR PAUL. I humbly thank your ladyship. I don't know whether I fly on ground, or walk in air. Gads-bud, she was never thus before. Well, I must own myself the most beholden to Mr. Careless. As sure as can be, this is all his doing, something that he has said; well, 'tis a rare thing to have an ingenious friend. Well, your ladyship is of opinion that the match may go forward. LADY PLYANT. By all means. Mr. Careless has satisfied me of the matter.