CITIZEN.
As for that, sir, take you no care; and so I betake you to
your journey.
[Exit Manville.]
[Enter Valingford.]
But soft, what gentleman is this?
VALINGFORD.
God speed, sir. Might a man crave a word or two with you?
CITIZEN.
God forbid else, sir; I pray you speak your pleasure.
VALINGFORD.
The gentleman that parted from you, was he not of Manchester,
his father living there of good account?
CITIZEN.
Yes, marry is he, sir. Why do you ask? Belike you have had
some acquaintance with him.
VALINGFORD.
I have been acquainted in times past, but, through his double
dealing, I am growen weary of his company. For, be it spoken
to you, he hath been acquainted with a poor millers daughter,
and diverse times hath promist her marriage. But what with
his delays and flouts he hath brought her into such a taking
that I fear me it will cost her her life.
CITIZEN.
To be plain with you, sir, his father and I have been of old
acquaintance, and a motion was made between my daughter and
his son, which is now throughly agreed upon, save only the
place appointed for the marriage, whether it shall be kept
here or at Manchester; and for no other occasion he is now
ridden.
ELNER.
What hath he done to you, that you should speak so ill of
the man?
VALINGFORD.
Oh, gentlewoman, I cry you mercy: he is your husband that
shall be.
ELNER.
If I knew this to be true, he should not be my husband were
he never so good: And therefore, good father, I would
desire you to take the pains to bear this gentleman company
to Manchester, to know whether this be true or no.
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