and one Silk Stocking, from the Fire that happen'd last Night.

PEACHUM. There is not a Fellow that is cleverer in his way, and
saves more Goods out of the Fire than Ned. But now, Polly, to your
Affair; for Matters must not be left as they are. You are married
then, it seems?

POLLY. Yes, Sir.

PEACHUM. And how do you propose to live, Child?

POLLY. Like other Women, Sir, upon the Industry of my Husband.

MRS. PEACHUM. What, is the Wench turn'd Fool? A Highwayman's Wife,
like a Soldier's, hath as little of his Pay, as of his Company.

PEACHUM. And had not you the common Views of a Gentlewoman in your
Marriage, Polly?

POLLY. I don't know what you mean, Sir.

PEACHUM. Of a Jointure, and of being a Widow.

POLLY. But I love him, Sir; how then could I have Thoughts of
parting with him?

PEACHUM. Parting with him! Why, this is the whole Scheme and
Intention of all Marriage-Articles. The comfortable Estate of Widow-
hood, is the only Hope that keeps up a Wife's Spirits. Where is the
Woman who would scruple to be a Wife, if she had it in her Power to