BRIDG. (_Whispers._) Madam, you have forgotten a something--the letter called Miss Harriet an only child. MRS. C. (_Aside._) Indeed! an impostor! Oh, I see through all!--the daring Mr. Cutaway has introduced himself.--So, sir, you are the young lady's brother? BOLT. Exactly! MIZ. Did not we tell you so?--(_Aside._) What makes her so d--d particular? MRS. C. Now, sir, you know you are nothing of the kind! (_Crosses to C._) Miss Harriet has no brother. BOLT. Hey, ma'am? MIZ. No brother!--(_Aside._) Here's a go!--You'll allow me to know my own relations?--Oh--h--h! MRS. C. Indeed! No! I have discovered all. BOLT. The devil you have? Then we are bowled out. Madam, we throw ourselves upon your mercy! MIZ. Yes! don't say anything to old Cotton. MRS. C. (_Aside._) Old Cotton! what a respectful name to call her father!--I will not; I am inclined to be friendly. I have some influence over him;--I'll prevail on him to pardon all. BOLT. Will you though? Then give us your hand. (_Takes her hand._) MIZ. (_Takes other hand._) Yes! you are a regular good 'un! MRS. C. (_Aside._) A good one! Her language is not particularly romantic.--Nay, more than that, I think I can persuade him to consent to your union. MIZ. The lady means a partnership. MRS. C. A partnership?--to be sure--for life--marriage! BOLT. I'll be blowed if we understand one another, now! MRS. C. Yes! we do.--Fie, Miss Cotton; do you think I do not recognise your clandestine lover, Mr. Cutaway? MIZ. (_Aside._) Cotton! I old master's daughter? BOLT. (_Aside._) Zounds! she knows nothing, after all.--Yes, ma'am, you've hit it. My name is Cutaway. MRS. C. Ha! ha! you confess. You see I was too sharp for you; I found out you were Mr. Cutaway. BOLT. To be sure you did! you are so sharp, ma'am. He! he! you found out Mr. Cutaway--He! he! ha! _Enter BRIDGET, L._ BRIDG. Please, ma'am, Mr. Cotton's foreman, Mr. Bolt, is here. BOLT. He is not! No! no! my name is Cut--Cutaway! MIZ. Mr. Bolt is not here! no, nor Mizzle either; this gentleman's name is Cutaway--my name is Miss Harriet. BRIDG. But Mr. Bolt is at the street door. BOLT. (_Aside._) Now who the devil can this be? MIZ. (_Whispers._) I say, Bolt, there a'n't two of you. MRS. C. Desire Mr. Bolt to walk in.--Don't be frightened, my young friends, though I guess the cause of your alarm. MIZ. (_Aside._) I'm bless'd if you do. _Enter CUTAWAY, L._ CUT. (_Aside._) All right so far!--the young lady here, and the old boy not here. MRS. C. Come forward, Mr. Bolt; come forward. Nobody here, except Mr. Cutaway. CUT. Mr. Cutaway here, Madam! MRS. C. You start; I guess the cause of surprise;--yes, and Miss Harriet. (_MIZZLE hides his face by letting veil fall._) CUT. (_Aside._) Hem, she has got a new cloak by the way. MRS. C. But I have not introduced you. (_Crosses L. C._) Mr. Bolt, Mr. Cutaway; Mr. Cutaway, Mr. Bolt. (_They both bow._) CUT. (_Aside._) How queer it is to be introduced to one's self!--I'm beside myself.