The Conscious Lovers

Tom lets Myrtle in to see Bevil Jr. Irritated, Myrtle complains that Bevil Jr. appears ready to marry Lucinda. Bevil Jr. urges Myrtle to remain calm, explaining that he is not interested in Lucinda—which in turn offends Myrtle more, since he cannot bear to hear anyone speak ill of his beloved. Bevil Jr. corrects himself and compliments Lucinda, which also offends Myrtle, who now accuses Bevil Jr. of being in love with Lucinda after all. Bevil Jr. says he loves someone else, which calms Myrtle. 

Bevil Jr. reveals that Cimberton—a fop, or conceited dandy focused on clothes, appearance, and conspicuous consumption—is Myrtle’s real rival. Lucinda’s mother has already engaged lawyers to arrange Lucinda and Cimberton’s marriage. Myrtle counters that Cimberton cannot marry without the approval of his uncle, Sir Geoffry. Bevil Jr. suggests that Myrtle disguise himself as one of the lawyers, Bramble, while Tom pretends to be the other lawyer, Target. Then, they can disrupt Mrs. Sealand’s plans by acting incompetently. Myrtle agrees. Bevil Jr. promises not to betray Myrtle, who leaves feeling uneasy. 

Bevil Jr. decides to go see the woman he loves, Indiana; he worries she is upset about Bevil Jr.’s planned marriage with Lucinda.