DAM. (R.) What is the matter with them, I wonder--quarrelling of course--all that the men and women seem to have to do when they get together--all that they are fit for I know. Now, madam, for our affair--to-morrow morning, the ceremony over, you go to my house. MISS MAC. (L.) If I please. DAM. Indeed! Now as I naturally do not wish to receive more punishment than my crime, as a matter of course, will bring with it, tell me who and what you are. MISS MAC. A lady! What are you? DAM. A gentleman. MISS MAC. Independent? DAM. Seven hundred a year. You are without a sixpence, of course?--hope you are--extravagant, I dare say, then I shall soon be a beggar. MISS MAC. I am happy to say, sir, that I need never require your help in pecuniary matters. DAM. Sorry for it. Many relations? I hope you have an army of poor ones--that _will_ serve me right. MISS MAC. I have not, sir. DAM. Dear me, I am afraid I shall be too comfortable. How old are you? MISS MAC. That is a question, sir, that no woman can ever pardon being put to her. Your other insulting queries I replied to at once, and rather admired the brutal spirit that prompted them, than felt annoyed at their utter want of feeling. But to ask a woman her age! 'Tis a sin, sir--'tis giving encouragement to lying; for a man is assured, when he puts _that_ question, he can never be told the truth. DAM. Ha! ha! This is delicious--this is a foretaste of my approaching bliss--this is a gleam of the light of happiness that is in future to shine full upon me. Oh!--what it's your weak side, eh? I'm delighted to have discovered it--when we are married I'll ask the question every night and morning during our bitter honey-moon. MISS MAC. You shall be disappointed, sir; we are not yet man and wife--I knew you to be a brute; but I never thought you a fool--and the latter character is one that I rather pity than despise. To pity you would be to admit a feeling akin to love, and any approach to love for you, would be to admit an affection for a bear, or a rhinoceros, or any other monstrosity of nature. No, sir! I have now done with you--find some other female to worry--Miss Maria Macaw leaves you to your single blessedness. [_Exit F.E.L._