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. SIR PAUL. Well, why then, lamb, you may keep your oath, but have a care about making rash vows; come hither to me, and kiss papa. LADY PLYANT. I swear and declare, I am in such a twitter to read Mr. Careless his letter, that I can't forbear any longer. But though I may read all letters first by prerogative, yet I'll be sure to be unsuspected this time, Sir Paul. SIR PAUL. Did your ladyship call? LADY PLYANT. Nay, not to interrupt you, my dear. Only lend me your letter, which you had from your steward to-day; I would look upon the account again, and may be increase your allowance. SIR PAUL. There it is, madam, do you want a pen and ink? [_Bows and gives the letter_.] LADY PLYANT. No, no, nothing else, I thank you, Sir Paul. So, now I can read my own letter under the cover of his. [_Aside_.] SIR PAUL. He? And wilt thou bring a grandson at nine months end--he? A brave chopping boy. I'll settle a thousand pound a year upon the rogue as soon as ever he looks me in the face, I will, gads-bud. I'm overjoyed to think I have any of my family that will bring children into the world. For I would fain have some resemblance of myself in my posterity, he, Thy? Can't you contrive that affair, girl? Do, gads-bud, think on thy old father, heh? Make the young rogue as like as you can. CYNT. I'm glad to see you so merry, sir.