Lady B. Why, what have you observed, in the name of wonder?

Bel. I have observed you blush when you met him; force yourself away from him; and then be out of humour with everything about you: in a word, never was a poor creature so spurred on by desire, or so reined in with fear.

Lady B. How strong is fancy!

Bel. How weak is woman!

Lady B. Pr’ythee, niece, have a better opinion of your aunt’s inclination.

Bel. Dear aunt, have a better opinion of your niece’s understanding.

Lady B. You’ll make me angry.

Bel. You’ll make me laugh.

Lady B. Then you are resolved to persist?

Bel. Positively.

Lady B. And all I can say—

Bel. Will signify nothing.

Lady B. Though I should swear ’twere false—

Bel. I should think it true.

Lady B. Then let us forgive; [kissing her] for we have both offended: I, in making a secret; you in discovering it.

Bel. Good-nature may do much: but you have more reason to forgive one, than I have to pardon t’other.

Lady B. ’Tis true, Belinda, you have given me so many proofs of your friendship, that my reserve has been, indeed, a crime; and, as a proof of my repentance, I own, Belinda, I am in danger. But whatever you may have observed, I have dissembled so well as to keep him ignorant. So, you see, I’m no coquet, Belinda. For ’tis an unreasonable thing to engage a man in a disease, which we beforehand resolve we will never apply a cure to.

Bel. ’Tis true; but, then, a woman must abandon one of the supreme blessings of her life. For I am fully convinced, no man has half that pleasure in gallanting a mistress, as a woman has in jilting a gallant.

Lady B. The happiest woman, then, on earth must be our neighbour.

Bel. Oh! the impertinent composition! She has vanity and affectation enough to make her a ridiculous original.

Lady B. She concludes all men her captives; and whatever course they take, it serves to confirm her in that opinion.

Bel. If they shun her, she thinks ’tis modesty, and takes it for a proof of their passion.

Lady B. And if they are rude to her, ’tis conduct, and done to prevent town-talk.

Bel. All their actions and their words, she takes for granted, aim at her.