Mrs Can. Why, to be sure, a tale of scandal is as fatal
to the credit of a prudent lady of her stamp as a fever is
generally to those of the strongest constitutions. But there
is a sort of pimy sickly reputation, that is always ailing, yet
will outlive the robuster characters of a hundred prudes.
Sir Ben. True, madam, there are valetudinarians in repu-
tation as well as constitution, who, being conscious of their
weak part, avoid the least breath of air, and supply their
want of stamina by care and circumspection.
Mrs Can. Well, but this may be all a mistake. You know.
Sir Benjamin, very trifling circumstances often give rise
to the most injurious tales.
Crab. That they do, I'll be sworn, ma'am. Did you ever
hear how Miss Piper came to lose her lover and her charac-
ter last summer at Tunbridge? — Sir Benjamin, you remem-
ber it?

Sir Ben. Oh, to be sure! — ^the most whimsical circum-
stance.
