No More Learning

(_They drink_. ) Well, now, what have you in the
house for supper?

HARDCASTLE: For supper! (_Aside_) Was ever such a request to a man in
his own house!

MARLOW: Yes, sir; supper. I begin to feel an appetite.

HARDCASTLE: Sure, such a brazen dog----Sir, I believe the bill of fare
is drawn out; you shall see it. (_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.