Chapter 15

Lord BELMOUR's house.

To Lady BELMOUR, enter a SERVANT.

SERVANT. Mrs. Andrews waits upon your ladyship.

Lady BELMOUR. Mrs. Andrews!--why did you admit her?

SERVANT. I had conceiv'd it was your general order.

Lady BELMOUR. I've chang'd my mind--I will not be at home; yet stay a little--tell her, I shall see her, At lady Meldmay's drawing-room to-night. [He goes off.] 'Tis like, she comes for what I got this morning: All which and more ill fortune swept away.

Enter Mrs. ANDREWS.

Mrs. ANDREWS. What! my good friend! my dearest lady Belmour! Not see her Andrews! her most faithful Andrews! 'Tis some mistake? perhaps, the servant's fault?

Lady BELMOUR. He had my orders, though you thus intrude.

Mrs. ANDREWS. Such a behaviour!--I am all amazement.-- Whence is the cause? I pray explain yourself.

Lady BELMOUR. If, madam, you are bent on altercation, I speedily shall leave you to yourself. So to your business, brief.--

Mrs. ANDREWS. As you could wish; Then, the five hundred you this morning borrow'd.

Lady BELMOUR. You surely dream, or are not in your senses!

Mrs. ANDREWS. If I retain them long, 'tis not your fault. Lady Belmour! Honour!--

Lady BELMOUR. Ha! this from you! When persons of my station condescend To such connexions, they most justly merit The treatment you have now presum'd to offer.

Mrs. ANDREWS. You cannot surely mean to rob me thus?

Lady BELMOUR. To rob you! you mistake; you owe me more Than will be ever in your pow'r to pay.

Mrs. ANDREWS. For what I pray?

Lady BELMOUR. You are not ignorant.

Mrs. ANDREWS. I am, as I shall answer it to heaven.

Lady BELMOUR. Not only for my husband's fond affection, But his fortune; which, (tis well known to all) He lavishes on you--so that your visits Can but reflect dishonour; wherefore, cease them.

Mrs. ANDREWS. [Going off.] This is too much; ungrateful, faithless woman! [She goes off.]

Lady BELMOUR. This treatment may hereafter serve her much. Even the meanest with the highest vie: Their manners as their fashions vainly aping, As might provoke the sourest spleen to laughter. [Exit.]