The Double-Dealer: A Comedy

"The Double-Dealer: A Comedy" by William Congreve is a comic play first produced in 1693. When Mellefont prepares to marry Cynthia, he faces unexpected enemies: Lady Touchwood, who desires him for herself, and Maskwell, his supposed friend who secretly plots to steal his bride. Through deception and manipulation, Maskwell turns families against each other, leading Lord Touchwood to disinherit Mellefont. This Restoration comedy explores betrayal, jealousy, and schemes that threaten to destroy lives and fortunes.

The Double-Dealer: A Comedy, by William Congreve. Republished by OpenStories from Project Gutenberg eBook #1191.