The Conscious Lovers

Tom meets Phillis at Sealand’s house. When he cannot ask Phillis directly about Bevil Jr.’s letter, he flirts with Phillis, who demands that Tom reveal how and when he fell in love with her. On his first day at Sealand’s home, Phillis mocked Tom by cleaning a window in his face. Phillis worries that Tom is lying about his love, so Tom suggests that they demand a parcel of land or home from their masters to live together. Finally convinced, Phillis gives Tom a letter from Lucinda in response to Bevil Jr.’s letter. Tom kisses Phillis, who tells him to leave before they get in trouble. They joke that their masters also want to kiss, and they salute each other formally in jest.

Lucinda enters and asks Phillis about Tom. Phillis says servants must make promises with kisses, since they cannot use certificates and documentation. Lucinda has rejected Bevil Jr. in her letter. She complains that her parents have arranged so many matches for her, that she sees marriage as transactional. Lucinda loves Myrtle, but she no longer associates love with marriage. Moreover, Lucinda is embarrassed that people in town know all about her arranged marriages. Phillis says Cimberton’s uncle, Sir Geoffry, is arriving in town soon, which might mean that Lucinda will marry Cimberton.