Nor did the duke's services to the
dramatist end here; for when occasion offered he introduced him
to the merry monarch, and so pleased was the king with the
author's conversational powers that he admitted him to his
friendship. His majesty's regard for Wycherley gradually
ripened, and once when he lay ill of fever at his lodgings in Bow
Street, Covent Garden, the merry monarch visited him, cheered him
with words of kindness, and promised he would send him to
Montpelier when he was well enough to travel. For this good
purpose Charles sent him five hundred pounds, and Wycherley spent
the winter of 1679 abroad.
Previous to this date he had written, besides his first comedy,
three others which had been received with great favour by the
town, viz., "The Gentleman Dancing Master," "The Country Wife,"
and "The Plain Dealer." Soon after his return to England the
crisis of his life arrived, and he married. His introduction to
the lady whom fate ordained to become his wife is not the least
singular episode in a remarkable biography. Being at Tunbridge
Wells, then a place of fashion and liberty, he was one day
walking with a friend named Fairbeard. And it happened as they
were passing a book-stall they overheard a gentlewoman inquire
for the "Plain Dealer."
"Madam," says Mr. Fairbeard, uncovering, "since you are for the
'Plain Dealer,' there he is for you;" whereon he led Wycherley
towards her.
"This lady," says that gentleman, making her a profound bow, "can
bear plain speaking; for she appears to be so accomplished, that
what would be compliment said to others, spoken to her would be
plain dealing.
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