how can Mellefont believe you love him?

CYNT. Why, faith, madam, he that won't take my word shall never
have it under my hand.

LADY FROTH. I vow Mellefont's a pretty gentleman, but methinks he
wants a manner.

CYNT. A manner! What's that, madam?

LADY FROTH. Some distinguishing quality, as, for example, the BEL
AIR or BRILLANT of Mr. Brisk; the solemnity, yet complaisance of my
lord, or something of his own that should look a little JE-NE-SAIS-
QUOISH; he is too much a mediocrity, in my mind.

CYNT. He does not indeed affect either pertness or formality; for
which I like him. Here he comes.

LADY FROTH. And my lord with him. Pray observe the difference.


SCENE II.


[To them] LORD FROTH, MELLEFONT, and BRISK.

CYNT. Impertinent creature! I could almost be angry with her now.
[Aside.]

LADY FROTH. My lord, I have been telling Cynthia how much I have