SILV. Why did you not tell me? Whom mean you?

LUCY. Whom you should mean, Heartwell.

SILV. Senseless creature, I meant my Vainlove.

LUCY. You may as soon hope to recover your own maiden-head as his
love. Therefore, e'en set your heart at rest, and in the name of
opportunity mind your own business. Strike Heartwell home before
the bait's worn off the hook. Age will come. He nibbled fairly
yesterday, and no doubt will be eager enough to-day to swallow the
temptation.

SILV. Well, since there's no remedy--yet tell me--for I would
know, though to the anguish of my soul, how did he refuse? Tell
me, how did he receive my letter--in anger or in scorn?

LUCY. Neither; but what was ten times worse, with damned senseless
indifference. By this light I could have spit in his face.
Receive it! Why, he received it as I would one of your lovers that
should come empty-handed; as a court lord does his mercer's bill or
a begging dedication--he received it as if 't had been a letter
from his wife.

SILV. What! did he not read it?

LUCY. Hummed it over, gave you his respects, and said he would
take time to peruse it--but then he was in haste.