TONY. I have been saying no soft things; but that it's very hard to be followed about so. Ecod! I've not a place in the house now, that's left to myself, but the stable. MRS. HARD. Never mind him, Con my dear. He's in another story behind your back. MISS NEV. There's something generous in my cousin's manner. He falls out before faces to be forgiven in private. TONY. That's a damned confounded—crack. MRS. HARD. Ah! he's a sly one. Don't you think they're like each other about the mouth, Mr. Hastings? The Blenkinsop mouth to a T. They're of a size too. Back to back, my pretties, that Mr. Hastings may see you. Come, Tony. TONY. You had as good not make me, I tell you. _Measuring._ MISS NEV. O lud! he has almost cracked my head. MRS. HARD. O, the monster! For shame, Tony. You a man, and behave so! TONY. If I'm a man, let me have my fortin. Ecod, I'll not be made a fool of no longer. MRS. HARD. Is this, ungrateful boy, all that I'm to get for the pains I have taken in your education? I that have rocked you in your cradle, and fed that pretty mouth with a spoon! Did not I work that waistcoat, to make you genteel? Did not I prescribe for you every day, and weep while the receipt was operating? TONY. Ecod! you had reason to weep, for you have been dosing me ever since I was born. I have gone through every receipt in the Complete Huswife ten times over; and you have thoughts of coursing me through _Quincy_ next spring. But, ecod! I tell you, I'll not be made a fool of no longer. MRS. HARD. Wasn't it all for your good, viper? Wasn't it all for your good? TONY. I wish you'd let me and my good alone then. Snubbing this way, when I'm in spirits. If I'm to have any good, let it come of itself; not to keep dinging it, dinging it into one so. MRS. HARD. That's false; I never see you when you're in spirits. No, Tony, you then go to the alehouse, or kennel. I'm never to be delighted with your agreeable wild notes, unfeeling monster! TONY. Ecod! mamma, your own notes are the wildest of the two. MRS. HARD. Was ever the like! But I see he wants to break my heart, I see he does. HAST. Dear madam, permit me to lecture the young gentleman a little. I'm certain I can persuade him to his duty. MRS. HARD. Well! I must retire. Come, Constance, my love. You see, Mr. Hastings, the wretchedness of my situation. Was ever poor woman so plagued with a dear, sweet, pretty, provoking, undutiful boy? _Exeunt_ MRS. HARD. _and_ MISS NEVILLE. HASTINGS. TONY. TONY. (_Singing_) There was a young man riding by, And fain would have his will. Rang do didlo dee. Don't mind her. Let her cry. It's the comfort of her heart. I have seen her and sister cry over a book for an hour together; and they said, they liked the book the better the more it made them cry. HAST. Then you're no friend to the ladies, I find, my pretty young gentleman?