The Conscious Lovers

Cimberton, Lucinda, Mrs. Sealand, and Myrtle, disguised as Sir Geoffry, meet. Myrtle exclaims that it has been long since he saw Cimberton and asks for a closer look at Lucinda. Phillis urges Lucinda to pay close attention to Sir Geoffry. Myrtle criticizes Lucinda’s merchant-class heritage, but Cimberton says he is willing to give her his own name to overwrite that lineage. Mrs. Sealand goes to arrange a room for Sir Geoffry, and Phillis takes Cimberton away. 

Alone, Myrtle assures Lucinda that he will not allow Cimberton to marry her, and he asks that Lucinda accept her true lover with open arms the next time she sees him. Lucinda agrees, and Myrtle reveals his disguise. Lucinda is frightened and screams, but then she is amused. When Cimberton, Phillis, and Mrs. Sealand return to see why Lucinda screamed, Lucinda claims Sir Geoffry fell. Lucinda and Cimberton carry the re-disguised Myrtle away.

Phillis reveals to Mrs. Sealand that Humphrey met with Sealand earlier that day. Sealand intends to investigate Bevil Jr.’s affair. Mrs. Sealand, fearing that Sealand will try to marry Lucinda to Bevil Jr., insists that Lucinda will marry Cimberton.