BELLMOUR, LUCY.
BELL.Humph, sits the wind there? What a lucky rogue am I! Oh, what sport will be here, if I can persuade this wench to secrecy!
LUCY.Sir: reverend sir.
BELL.Madam.[Discovers himself.]
LUCY.Now, goodness have mercy upon me! Mr.Bellmour! is it you?
BELL.Even I.What dost think?
LUCY.Think! That I should not believe my eyes, and that you are not what you seem to be.
BELL.True.But to convince thee who I am, thou knowest my old token.[Kisses her.]
LUCY.Nay, Mr.Bellmour: O Lard! I believe you are a parson in good earnest, you kiss so devoutly.
BELL.Well, your business with me, Lucy?
LUCY.I had none, but through mistake.
BELL.Which mistake you must go through with, Lucy.Come, I know the intrigue between Heartwell and your mistress; and you mistook me for Tribulation Spintext, to marry 'em--Ha? are not matters in this posture? Confess: come, I'll be faithful; I will, i'faith.
What! diffide in me, Lucy?
LUCY.Alas-a-day! You and Mr.Vainlove, between you, have ruined my poor mistress: you have made a gap in her reputation; and can you blame her if she make it up with a husband?
BELL.Well, is it as I say?
LUCY.Well, it is then: but you'll be secret?
BELL.Phuh, secret, ay.And to be out of thy debt, I'll trust thee with another secret.Your mistress must not marry Heartwell, Lucy.
LUCY.How! O Lord!
BELL.Nay, don't be in passion, Lucy:- I'll provide a fitter husband for her.Come, here's earnest of my good intentions for thee too; let this mollify.[Gives her money.] Look you, Heartwell is my friend; and though he be blind, I must not see him fall into the snare, and unwittingly marry a whore.
LUCY.Whore! I'd have you to know my mistress scorns -BELL.Nay, nay: look you, Lucy; there are whores of as good quality.But to the purpose, if you will give me leave to acquaint you with it.Do you carry on the mistake of me: I'll marry 'em.
Nay, don't pause; if you do, I'll spoil all.I have some private reasons for what I do, which I'll tell you within.In the meantime, I promise--and rely upon me--to help your mistress to a husband: nay, and thee too, Lucy.Here's my hand, I will; with a fresh assurance.[Gives her more money.]
LUCY.Ah, the devil is not so cunning.You know my easy nature.
Well, for once I'll venture to serve you; but if you do deceive me, the curse of all kind, tender-hearted women light upon you!
BELL.That's as much as to say, the pox take me.Well, lead on.
