Love for Love

The Nurse interrupts Tattle’s attempted seduction of Miss Prue, catching them both in Miss Prue’s chamber. Tattle hastily leaves Miss Prue alone with her Nurse. Angelica, Scandal, and Valentine enter the scene, with Valentine and Angelica arguing about Angelica’s feelings. Angelica claims that she is indifferent to Valentine’s love. Tattle joins them and tries to insist to Angelica that she does indeed return Valentine’s affection, but Angelica remains unmoved. Angelica teases Tattle about his conquests and indiscretion, while insisting that she herself has always managed to resist the wooing of young men such as Valentine.

Sir Sampson enters with Mrs. Frail and Miss Prue, eagerly awaiting the arrival of Ben. Valentine and Scandal leave, as Valentine does not wish to see Ben. Sir Sampson is disgusted at Valentine’s departure, and warns Angelica that Valentine only courts her in the hope of gaining her estate for himself. Angelica assures Sir Sampson that she is in no danger of falling for Valentine, claiming that his former estate was the only attraction he ever held for her.

Ben enters the room, and his identity as a sailor is strongly marked in his