Old Geraldine. Master Delavil, Thus much let me for him apologise: Divers designs have thronged upon us late My weakness was not able to support Without his help; he hath been much abroad, At London, or elsewhere; besides, ’tis term, And lawyers must be followed; seldom at home, And scarcely then at leisure. Delavil. I am satisfied, And I would they were so too; but I hope, sir, In this restraint you have not used my name. Old Geraldine. Not as I live. Delavil. You’re noble.--Who had thought To have met with such good company? You are, it seems, But new alighted. Father and son, ere part, I vow we’ll drink a cup of sack together; Physicians say it doth prepare the appetite And stomach against dinner. Old Geraldine. We old men Are apt to take these courtesies. Delavil. What say you, friend? Young Geraldine. I’ll but inquire for one at the next inn, And instantly return. Delavil. It is enough. [_Exeunt_. SCENE IV.--_Inside a Tavern_. _Enter_ Bess _and_ Young Geraldine, _meeting_. Young Geraldine. Bess! How dost thou, girl? Bess. Faith, we may do how we list for you, you are grown So great a stranger: we are more beholding To Master Delavil; he’s a constant guest: And howsoe’er to some, that shall be nameless, His presence may be graceful, yet to others-- I could say somewhat. Young Geraldine. He’s a noble fellow, And my choice friend. Bess. Come, come, he is what he is; And that the end will prove. Young Geraldine. And how’s all at home? Nay, we’ll not part without a glass of wine, And meet so seldom.--Boy! _Enter_ Drawer. Drawer. Anon, anon, sir. Young Geraldine. A pint of claret, quickly. [_Exit_ Drawer.] Nay, sit down: The news, the news, I pray thee; I am sure, I have been much inquired of thy old master, And thy young mistress too. Bess. Ever your name Is in my master’s mouth, and sometimes too In hers, when she hath nothing else to think of. Well, well, I could say somewhat. _Re-enter_ Drawer. Drawer. Here’s your wine, sir. Young Geraldine. Fill, boy. Here, Bess, this glass to both their healths. [_Exit_ Drawer. Why dost thou weep, my wench? Bess. Nay, nothing, sir. Young Geraldine. Come, I must know. Bess. In troth, I love you, sir, And ever wished you well; you are a gentleman Whom always I respected; know the passages And private whisperings of the secret love Betwixt you and my mistress--I dare swear, On your part well intended, but-- Young Geraldine. But what? Bess. You bear the name of landlord, but another Enjoys the rent; you dote upon the shadow, But another he bears away the substance. Young Geraldine. Be more plain. Bess. You hope to enjoy a virtuous widowhood; But Delavil, whom you esteem your friend, He keeps the wife in common.