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HARDCASTLE: Blessings on my pretty innocence! Dressed out as usual, my Kate. Goodness! what
a quantity of superiluous silk hast thou got about thee, girl! I could never teach the
fools of this age that the indigent world could be clothed out of the trimmings of the
vain.
Miss HARDCASTLE. You know our agreement, sir. You allow me the morning to receive and pay
visits, and to dress in my own manner; and in the evening, I put on my housewife's dress
to please you.
HARDCASTLE. Well, remember I insist on the terms of our agreement; and, by the bye, I
believe I shall have occasion to try your obedience this very evening.
MISS HARDCASTLE. I protest, sir, I don't comprehend your meaning.
HARDCASTLE. Then, to be plain with you, Kate, I expect the young gentleman I have chosen
to be your husband from town this very day. I have his father's letter, in which he informs
me his son is set out, and that he intends to follow himself shortly after.
MISS HARDCASTLE. Indeed! I wish I had known something of this before. Bless me, how shall
I behave? It's a thousand to one I shan't like him, our meeting will be so formal, and
so like a thing of business, that I shall find no room for friendship or esteem.
HARDCASTLE. Depend upon it, child, I'll never control your choice; but Mr. Marlow, whom
I have pitched upon, is the son of my old friend, Sir Charles Marlow, of whom you have
heard me talk so often. The younger gentleman has been bred a scholar, and is designed for
an employment in the service of his country. I am told he's a man of an excellent understanding.
MISS HARDCASTLE. Is he?
HARDCASTLE. Very generous.
MISS HARDCASTLE. I believe I shall like him.
HARDCASTLE. Young and brave.
MISS HARDCASTLE. I'm sure I shall like him.
HARDCASTLE. And very handsome.
MISS HARDCASTLE. My dear papa, say no more (kissing his hand), he's mine, I'll have him.
HARDCASTLE. And to crown all, Kate, he's one of the most bashful and reserved young fellows
in all the world.
MISS HARDCASTLE. Eh! you have frozen me to death again. That word reserved has undone
all the rest of his accomplishments. A reserved lover, it is said, always makes a suspicious
husband.
HARDCASTLE. On the contrary, modesty seldom resides in a breast that is not enriched with
nobler virtues. It was the very feature in his character that first struck me.
MISS HARDCASTLE. He must have more striking features to catch me, I promise you. However,
if he is so young, so handsome, and so everything as you mention, I believe he'll do still.
I think I'll have him.
HARDCASTLE. Ay, Kate, but there is still an obstacle. It's more than an even wager, he
may not have you.
MISS HARDCASTLE. My dear papa, why will you mortify one so? Well, if he refuses, instead
of breaking my heart at his indifference, I'll only break my glass for its flattery,
set my cap to some newer fashion, and look out for some less difficult admirer.
HARDCASTLE. Bravely resolved. In the meantime I'll go prepare the servants for his reception;
as we seldom see company, they want as much training as a company of recruits the first
day's muster. (Exit)
MISS HARDCASTLE. (Aside) Lud, this news of papa's puts me all in a flutter. Young, handsome;
these he put last, but I put them foremost. Sensible, good-natured; I like all that. but
then, reserved and sheepish; that's much against him. Yet can't he be cured of his timidity
by being taught to be proud of his wife? Yes, and can't I–but I vow I'm disposing of the
husband, before I have secured the lover.