_O’Dogh._ Come, come, quick; let us get out of their way, for he is resolved to startle the lady, and waken her, if possible. Let us leave them to themselves, for I reckon they will have a sharp brush. [_Exeunt._ _Enter Mrs._ Diggerty _and_ Hamilton. _Coun._ Madam, madam, you shall hear me. _Mrs. Dig._ Was there ever so rude, so abrupt a behaviour--to force me from my company thus. _Coun._ ’Tis what your insolent disease demands; the suddenness and abruptness of the shock is the chief ingredient in the remedy that must cure you. _Mrs. Dig._ What do you mean, sir? _Coun._ I will tell you, madam--you are not ignorant that your husband took you without a fortune; that he generously gave the little our father left you to your younger sister, with the benevolent addition of two thousand pounds--you know too, that by marriage articles, upon a separation or your husband’s death, you are entitled only to a hundred pounds a year; which cautious pittance his prudence wisely insisted on, as a necessary check upon the conduct of giddy, female youth, and thoughtless vanity, when matched with the tempered age of sobriety and discretion--now, madam, I am commissioned to inform you, that the doors are open, and that the stipulated sum will be punctually paid you, as your vicious appetite shall demand; for know, that neither your husband’s love, my affection, nor a residence in this house can be enjoyed by you another hour, but on the hard condition of a thorough reformation. _Mrs. Dig._ Sir! _Coun._ Madam, it is true; for if female vanity will be mad, husbands must be peremptory. _Mrs. Dig._ Pray, sir, do not speak so loud. _Coun._ Why not? _Mrs. Dig._ The company will hear you. _Coun._ I know it--and I intend they shall. _Mrs. Dig._ Oh, oh, oh! I shall be ashamed for ever--pray do not speak so loud--bless me, brother, you startle me--what is it you mean? _Coun._ Will you hear what I have to say? will you attend to the dictates of a brother’s love, with modest patience, and virtuous candour? _Mrs. Dig._ I will. _Coun._ Sit down--know then, in your husband’s judgment, the sums you have squandered, and those you have been cheated of by your female friends, is your least offence--it is your pride, your midnight revels, insolence of taste, rage of precedency, that grieve him; for they have made you the ridicule of every flirt and coxcomb, and the scorn and pity of every sober person that knows your folly; this reflects disgrace upon your friends, contempt upon the spirit and credit of your husband, and has furnished whispering suspicion with stories and implications, which have secretly fixed an infectious stain upon your chastity. (_both rise_) _Mrs. Dig._ My chastity! I defy the world! _Coun._ Aye, madam, you may defy it; but she who does, will find the world too hard a match for her.