The Way of the World (Act 1 Scene 2)

Mirabell and Footman

MIRABELL
Well, is the grand affair over? You have been something tedious.

SERVANT
Sir, there’s such coupling at Pancras that they stand behind one another, as ’twere in a country-dance. Ours was the last couple to lead up; and no hopes appearing of dispatch, besides, the parson growing hoarse, we were afraid his lungs would have failed before it came to our turn; so we drove round to Duke’s Place, and there they were riveted in a trice.

MIRABELL
So, so; you are sure they are married?

SERVANT
Married and bedded, sir; I am witness.

MIRABELL
Have you the certificate?

SERVANT
Here it is, sir.

MIRABELL
Has the tailor brought Waitwell’s clothes home, and the new liveries?

SERVANT
Yes, sir

MIRABELL
That’s well. Do you go home again, d’ye hear, and adjourn the consummation till farther order; bid Waitwell shake his ears, and Dame Partlet rustle up her feathers, and meet me at one a’ clock by Rosamond’s pond, that I may see her before she returns to her lady. And, as you tender your ears, be secret.