( 51 )
L. Dor. I vow, Sir, I can't tell. But I hope you mean to be Civil.
Ang. repeats.)
Where Nature Sums up all its Joys in one.
But since you will have it so, I must submit. I may perhaps, have been too far transported, but I hope your Ladiship's goodness, will excuse the violence of a Passion that was not to be with-held.
L. Dor. I must needs say, any one in your place would have offer'd as much, and perhaps more: for who cou'd have imagin'd, that such an Assignation was contriv'd for nothing but a little discourse? besides, 'tis natural enough to suspect, that all this great care that I have taken to forbid, was meant only to mind you of what else you might be too backward to undertake: and I know it to be a Maxim among Men, that Women are angry to be always obey'd, and that our first refusals are necessary to decency, and proceed only from a little Customary formality, and not from any real dis-like. But you, I perceive, are none of those—
Ang. Who I? Heav'ns forbid—
(Removes her Chair farther off, Lady Dorimen following.
L. Dor. The Men, I say, of this age, for the most part, are bold and undertaking, in the Tête à Tête, as they call it, and when the Chambermaid's sent away, and a Bed in the Room, they think they may venture on any thing.
Angelica continues to get farther off,
Lady Dorimen gets closer and closer.
Ang. Excuse me, Madam, you shall find me none of those impudent intruders, of whom you complain. I must needs condemn the forwardness of those men, who are still encroaching upon the modesty of the Ladies: and would not for the World offend against the respect that is due to you.
L. Dor. I only say 'tis the way of most Men. But I am convinc'd you are none of those.
Ang. Heavens forbid, Madam, that I should be any thing that were displeasing to your Ladiship.
L. Dor. aside. Provoking Ignorance! What shall I do to
