_Alith._ [_Aside._] So, I find my brother would break off the match; and I can consent to't, since I see this gentleman can be made jealous.--[_Aloud._] O Lucy, by his rude usage and jealousy, he makes me almost afraid I am married to him. Art thou sure 'twas Harcourt himself, and no parson, that married us? _Spark._ No, madam, I thank you. I suppose, that was a contrivance too of Mr. Horner's and yours, to make Harcourt play the parson; but I would as little as you have him one now, no, not for the world. For, shall I tell you another truth? I never had any passion for you till now, for now I hate you. 'Tis true, I might have married your portion, as other men of parts of the town do sometimes; and so, your servant. And to show my unconcernedness, I'll come to your wedding, and resign you with as much joy, as I would a stale wench to a new cully; nay, with as much joy as I would after the first night, if I had been married to you. There's for you; and so your servant, servant. [_Exit._ _Alith._ How was I deceived in a man! _Lucy._ You'll believe then a fool may be made jealous now? for that easiness in him that suffers him to be led by a wife, will likewise permit him to be persuaded against her by others. _Alith._ But marry Mr. Horner! my brother does not intend it, sure: if I thought he did, I would take thy advice, and Mr. Harcourt for my husband. And now I wish, that if there be any over-wise woman of the town, who, like me, would marry a fool for fortune, liberty, or title, first, that her husband may love play, and be a cully to all the town but her, and suffer none but Fortune to be mistress of his purse; then, if for liberty, that he may send her into the country, under the conduct of some huswifely mother-in-law; and if for title, may the world give 'em none but that of cuckold. _Lucy._ And for her greater curse, madam, may he not deserve it. _Alith._ Away, impertinent! Is not this my old Lady Lanterlu's?[83] _Lucy._ Yes, madam.--[_Aside._] And here I hope we shall find Mr. Harcourt. [_Exeunt._ SCENE IV.--HORNER'S _Lodging. A table, banquet, and bottles._ _Enter_ HORNER, Lady FIDGET, Mrs. DAINTY FIDGET, _and_ Mrs. SQUEAMISH. _Horn._ A pox! they are come too soon--before I have sent back my new mistress. All that I have now to do is to lock her in, that they may not see her. [_Aside._ _L. Fid._ That we may be sure of our welcome, we have brought our entertainment with us, and are resolved to treat thee, dear toad. _Mrs. Dain._ And that we may be merry to purpose, have left Sir Jasper and my old Lady Squeamish, quarrelling at home at backgammon. _Mrs. Squeam._ Therefore let us make use of our time, lest they should chance to interrupt us. _L. Fid._ Let us sit then. _Horn._ First, that you may be private, let me lock this door and that, and I'll wait upon you presently. _L. Fid._ No, sir, shut 'em only, and your lips for ever; for we must trust you as much as our women.