MARL. The assiduities of these good people tease me beyond bearing. My host seems to think it ill manners to leave me alone, and so he claps not only himself, but his old-fashioned wife on my back. They talk of coming to sup with us too; and then, I suppose, we are to run the gauntlet through all the rest of the family.—What have we got here?— HAST. My dear Charles! Let me congratulate you!—The most fortunate accident!—Who do you think is just alighted? MARL. Cannot guess. HAST. Our mistresses, boy, Miss Hardcastle and Miss Neville. Give me leave to introduce Miss Constance Neville to your acquaintance. Happening to dine in the neighbourhood, they called, on their return, to take fresh horses here. Miss Hardcastle has just stept into the next room, and will be back in an instant. Wasn't it lucky, eh? MARL. (_Aside._) I have just been mortified enough of all conscience, and here comes something to complete my embarrassment. HAST. Well, but wasn't it the most fortunate thing in the world? MARL. Oh! yes. Very fortunate—a most joyful encounter—But our dresses, George, you know, are in disorder—What if we should postpone the happiness till to-morrow?—To-morrow, at her own house—It will be every bit as convenient—And rather more respectful—To-morrow let it be. _Offering to go._ MISS NEV. By no means, sir. Your ceremony will displease her. The disorder of your dress will show the ardour of your impatience: besides, she knows you are in the house, and will permit you to see her. MARL. O! the devil! how shall I support it? Hem! hem! Hastings, you must not go. You are to assist me, you know. I shall be confoundedly ridiculous. Yet, hang it! I'll take courage. Hem! HAST. Pshaw, man! it's but the first plunge, and all's over. She's but a woman, you know. MARL. And of all women, she that I dread most to encounter. _Enter_ MISS HARDCASTLE, _as returning from walking, a bonnet, &c._ HAST. (_Introducing him._) Miss Hardcastle—Mr. Marlow. I'm proud of bringing two persons of such merit together, that only want to know, to esteem each other. MISS HARD. (_Aside._) Now, for meeting my modest gentleman with a demure face, and quite in his own manner. (_After a pause, in which he appears very uneasy and disconcerted._) I'm glad of your safe arrival, sir—I'm told, you had some accidents by the way. MARL. Only a few, madam. Yes, we had some. Yes, madam, a good many accidents; but should be sorry—madam—or rather glad of any accidents—that are so agreeably concluded. Hem! HAST. (_To him._) You never spoke better in your whole life. Keep it up, and I'll ensure you the victory. MISS HARD. I'm afraid you flatter, sir. You, that have seen so much of the finest company, can find little entertainment in an obscure corner of the country.