"
"No truly, sir," replied the lady; "I am not without my faults,
like the rest of my sex; and yet, notwithstanding all my faults,
I love plain dealing, and never am more fond of it than when it
points out my errors."
"Then, madam," said Mr. Fairbeard, "you and the plain dealer seem
designed by heaven for each other."
These pretty speeches having been delivered and received with
every mark of civility, Mr. Wycherley made his exit with the
lady, who was none other than the Countess of Drogheda, a young
widow gifted with beauty and endowed by fortune. Day by day he
waited on her at her lodging, accompanied her in her walks, and
attended her to the assemblies. Finally, when she returned to
town he married her. It is sad yet true the union did not result
in perfect happiness. Mr. Wycherley had a reputation for
gallantry, the Countess of Drogheda was the victim of suspicion.
Knowing jealousy is beget by love, and mindful of sacrifices she
had made in marrying him, Wycherley behaved towards her with much
kindness. In compliance with her wishes he desisted visiting the
court, a place she probably knew from experience was rife with
temptation; and moreover when he cracked a bottle of wine with
convivial friends at the Cock Tavern, opposite his lodgings in
Bow Street, he, for the greater satisfaction of his wife, would
leave the windows open of the room in which he sat, that she
might from the vantage ground of her home see there were no
hussies in the company.
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