MISS HARD. I can't but laugh to think what time they all have for minding their work or their family. MARL. (_Aside._) All's well, she don't laugh at me. (_To her._ ) Do _you_ ever work, child? MISS HARD. Ay, sure. There's not a screen or a quilt in the whole house but what can bear witness to that. MARL. Odso! Then you must show me your embroidery. I embroider and draw patterns myself a little. If you want a judge of your work, you must apply to me. _Seizing her hand._ MISS HARD. Ay, but the colours don't look well by candle-light. You shall see all in the morning. _Struggling._ MARL. And why not now, my angel? Such beauty fires beyond the power of resistance.—Pshaw! the father here! My old luck: I never nicked seven, that I did not throw ames-ace three times following. _Exit_ MARLOW. _Enter_ HARDCASTLE, _who stands in surprise_. HARD. So, madam! So I find _this_ is your _modest_ lover. This is your humble admirer, that kept his eyes, fixed on the ground, and only adored at humble distance. Kate, Kate, art thou not ashamed to deceive your father so? MISS HARD. Never trust me, dear papa, but he's still the modest man I first took him for, you'll be convinced of it as well as I. HARD. By the hand of my body, I believe his impudence is infectious! Didn't I see him seize your hand? Didn't I see him haul you about like a milk-maid? and now you talk of his respect and his modesty, forsooth! MISS HARD. But if I shortly convince you of his modesty; that he has only the faults that will pass off with time, and the virtues that will improve with age; I hope you'll forgive him. HARD. The girl would actually make one run mad; I tell you, I will not be convinced. I am convinced. He has scarcely been three hours in the house, and he has already encroached on all my prerogatives. You may like his impudence, and call it modesty; but my son-in-law, madam, must have very different qualifications. MISS HARD. Sir, I ask but this night to convince you. HARD. You shall not have half the time; for I have thoughts of turning him out this very hour. MISS HARD. Give me that hour, then, and I hope to satisfy you. HARD. Well, an hour let it be then. But I'll have no trifling with your father. All fair and open, do you mind me? MISS HARD. I hope, sir, you have ever found that I considered your commands as my pride; for your kindness is such, that my duty as yet has been inclination. _Exeunt._ ACT IV. _Enter_ HASTINGS _and_ MISS NEVILLE. HAST. You surprise me! Sir Charles Marlow expected here this night? Where have you had your information? MISS NEV. You may depend upon it. I just saw his letter to Mr. Hardcastle, in which he tells him he intends setting out a few hours after his son.