SCENE I.--MR. HARDCASTLE'S _house_. MR. _and_ MRS. HARDCASTLE.

MRS. HARDCASTLE: I vow, Mr. Hardcastle, I hate such old-fashioned trumpery.

HARDCASTLE: And I love it; old friends, old times, old manners, old books, old wine, and I believe you'll own I've been pretty fond of an old wife.

MRS. HARDCASTLE: Oh, you're for ever at your old wife. I'm not so old as you'd make me. I was twenty when my son Tony was born, and he's not come to years of discretion yet.

HARDCASTLE: Nor ever will, I dare answer; you've taught him finely. Alehouse and stable are his only schools.

MRS. HARDCASTLE: Poor boy, anyone can see he's consumptive. [TONY _is heard hallooing_.

HARDCASTLE: Oh, very consumptive!

[TONY _crosses, and_ MRS. HARDCASTLE _follows him out. Enter_ KATE HARDCASTLE.

HARDCASTLE: Blessings on my pretty innocence! What a quantity of superfluous silk hast thou got about thee, girl!

KATE: But in the evening I am to wear my housewife's dress to please you; you know our agreement, sir.

HARDCASTLE: By the bye, I shall have to try your obedience this very evening. In fact, Kate, I expect the young gentleman I have chosen to be your husband, this very day; and my old friend his father, Sir Charles Marlow, soon after him. I shall not control your choice, but I am told that he is of an excellent understanding.

KATE: Is he?

HARDCASTLE: Very generous.

KATE: I believe I shall like him.

HARDCASTLE: Young and brave.

KATE: I'm sure I shall like him.

HARDCASTLE: And very handsome.

KATE: Say no more; he's mine.

HARDCASTLE: And, to crown all, he's one of the most reserved and bashful young fellows in the world.

KATE: That word has undone all the rest, still I think I'll have him. (_Exit_ HARDCASTLE.) Reserved and sheepish. Can't he be cured? (_Enter_ MISS NEVILLE.) I'm glad you came, my dear. I am threatened with a lover, the son of Sir Charles Marlow.

MISS NEVILLE: The most intimate friend of Mr. Hastings, my admirer; and such a character. Among ladies of reputation the modestest man alive, but with others----

MISS HARDCASTLE: And has my mother been courting you for my brother Tony, as usual? I could almost love him for hating you so.

MISS NEVILLE: It is a good-natured creature at bottom, and I'm sure would wish to see me married to anyone but himself. [_Exeunt_.