The Country Wife: Act 5, Scene 2 Summary & Analysis

Horner and the Quack are back at Horner’s house. They discuss the unexplained letter from Margery that Pinchwife brought to Horner. While they are talking, Pinchwife leads Margery in. She is disguised as Alithea and a mask covers her face. Horner is baffled when Pinchwife says that he has brought Horner a mistress.

Horner asks if the lady Pinchwife has brought is “sound” and Pinchwife is offended. Horner assumes that Pinchwife has brought him another woman so that he will not be tempted to seduce Margery and Pinchwife is confused and thinks that Horner is joking. Horner insists that he does not know who the woman is or why Pinchwife has brought her to him. Pinchwife tells Horner that the woman is related to him and Horner asks if he can remove her mask. Margery whispers to Horner that she will speak to him if they are left alone.

Pinchwife agrees to leave the pair alone. He says that he will go and get a chaplain to marry them and tell Sparkish that his marriage is off. As he leaves, the servant enters and announces Sir Jasper Fidget, who is on his way up. Horner tells Sir Jasper he is busy, but Sir Jasper tells him that his wife and the “virtuous gang” of ladies are on their way up, dressed for a masquerade ball. Horner tells Sir Jasper he is not interested, but Sir Jasper only laughs, and Horner realizes there is nothing he can do.