Good day, aunt, we have not had the pleasure of seeing you since your return home last night--it was very kind of that barbarian, Mr. Damper, to escort you to the door--I saw him leave you from my window. MISS MAC. 'Twas no more than the creature's duty. MISS MEA. His duty! MISS MAC. You have often heard me declare that my aversion to the male sex was so great, that the man who could be bold enough to propose to me, with the prospect of misery that must be his portion in the union, I would accept him instantly--now Mr. Damper---- MISS MEA. } } What? CHE. } MISS MAC. Mr. Damper has said that he hates me sufficiently to marry me; and, as the passion is mutual, I have taken him at his word--to-morrow morning I change my name. MISS MEA. So soon, aunt? MISS MAC. If you are surprised at our haste, you must consider that we have little of life's time to lose; and, what in you would be indelicate precipitancy, with us, is but common prudence. MISS MEA. Are you serious, aunt? MISS MAC. Matrimony is not a subject to jest upon, whatever may be your notions of the important engagement. MISS MEA. Bless me! _Enter NIGGLE, D.F., in haste._ NIG. _(To CHESTER.)_ Young man, where's your mother? Pray excuse me--I mean the lady--the relation--the friend--though I care not who she may be--you know the person I mean. CHE. Miss Coy? NIG. Yes--I have been in search of her every where--all last night--all to-day--Daphne never led Apollo such a chase as that dear creature has given me. CHE. For what? NIG. To tell her that I can't live without her--to tell her that my anti-matrimonial persuader is removed--that I'm a free man, and that I wish to marry her immediately--and repair the wrong that I have done her at once--before my connubial furor may again fluctuate. CHE. She is gone---- NIG. Gone! Where? CHE. To London! NIG. Ah, my cruelty has driven her there. CHE. That, and the flight of an agent, to whose care she had entrusted her property. NIG. Eh! what? flight of an agent--is she then in distress?--without a penny? CHE. 'Tis feared so, sir. NIG. Huzza! That was the obstacle she alluded to--that is the reason she has avoided me--I am glad of it--I have now an opportunity of proving the disinterestedness of my passion for her. [_DAMPER appears F.D._] Oh, madam _(To MISS MACAW.)_--what do I not owe to you? 'Tis you--you have removed this incubus--'Tis _you_ that have spurred this nightmare from my bosom, to take him to your own. Generous woman, let me embrace you. [_He warmly embraces MISS MACAW, who rises with great indignation._ MISS MAC. Sir! how dare you? The first time that I ever was embraced by a man in my life! How dare you, sir, take that liberty? Had I been aware of your indecorous intention I should have slapped your face--I would, sir--Ugh! the sensation is more repulsive than I ever imagined it to be. NIG. My dear madam--my gratitude was so----