The Rover

That afternoon, Florinda, Hellena, and Valeria, followed by Callis, walk down the street in different costumes while still masked. Florinda wonders why Don Pedro was in such a terrible mood, worrying that perhaps he knows about their excursion that morning, but Hellena reassures her that if he had discovered it, he would have locked them up. Hellena does not understand why she is suddenly feeling so sad. Florinda and Valeria tease her that she is obviously in love. Valeria chuckles, “I laugh to think how thou art fitted with a lover, a fellow that, I warrant, loves every new face he sees” (43). Hellena explains that she has no plans to die of a broken heart. Her goal is to fall in love and be loved, and she still intends to achieve it.

Hellena spots Belvile, Frederick, and Blunt coming, and, wondering where Willmore has gone, she urges the other women to stand back and listen to what they say. Belvile discovers that Angellica’s painting has been taken down, and they wonder whether Willmore has charmed his way in for free, or if Angellica has simply killed him and run away.