No More Learning

(_The menu is produced and discussed in
scathing terms. Then_ MARLOW _insists on seeing himself that the beds
are properly aired_. ) Well, sir, I will attend you. This may be modern
modesty, but I never saw anything so like old-fashioned impudence.

[_Exeunt_ HARDCASTLE _and_ MARLOW.

HASTINGS: This fellow's civilities begin to grow troublesome.
(_Enter_ MISS NEVILLE. ) Miss Neville, by all that's happy!

MISS NEVILLE: My dear Hastings!

HASTINGS: But how could I have hoped to meet my dearest Constance
at an inn?

MISS NEVILLE: An inn! You mistake. My aunt, my guardian, lives here.
How could you think this house an inn?

HASTINGS: My friend, Mr.
Marlow, and I were directed hither by a
young fellow----

MISS NEVILLE: One of my hopeful cousin's tricks.

HASTINGS: We must keep up the deception with Marlow; else he will
fly.

Hastings has planned to elope with Miss Neville; she wishes first to
get into her own hands her jewelry, which is in Mrs. Hardcastle's
possession. As they complete their plot Marlow enters.

HASTINGS: My dear Marlow, the most fortunate event! Let me present
Miss Constance Neville. She and Miss Hardcastle have just alighted to
take fresh horses. Miss Hardcastle will be here directly. Isn't it
fortunate?

MARLOW: Oh, yes; very fortunate, a most joyful encounter; but
our dresses, George! To-morrow will be every bit as convenient. Let it
be to-morrow.

HASTINGS: Pshaw, man! Courage, courage! It is but the first plunge.