Hastings My word, neither do I. But tell me, sister, what are you getting at? This bizarre humor-- Captain This lady is your sister? Hastings Yes, sir--who infuriates me--my elder sister, but not wiser. What new caprice, what new demon, I say, makes you come play mischief? To scandalize this poor gentleman who never saw you before in his life? How could he have harmed you, a perfect stranger? Urania Doesn't know me! A perfect stranger! I believe you're mad. For two years, this ingrate has been my suitor--my lover. This gigolo has drawn on my wealth, and I have paid for practically every thing he wears. If I hadn't taken pity on his misfortunes, he would long ago have been on the dole. Hastings I told you so; she's a little crazy. Captain Still, she seems normal. Some sort of mistake. Hastings Oh, I give you my word. Captain In any event, I don't relish lingering here any longer to listen to this insulting discourse. I leave the battle field to the lady. I will return as soon as she leaves. Hastings No one can stop her from talking. You have to put up with her difficult nature. Captain For a while, sir, permit me to leave you. I will return to finish my visit. (Exit Captain) Urania (pursuing him part way) Don't think to escape me. I know your plans. You may try to tear him from my arms, but I swear I will marry him, in spite of the daughter, the father, the relations, the whole family--in spite of him, and in spite of myself, too. (Exit Urania after the Captain) Hastings What vertigo disturbs her and brings her here? As she gets older, her head seems to get more and more disturbed. Flavella It's true. I'm very often ashamed for her. Hastings I am afraid that this woman, with her unaccountable temper may come here and cause some misfortune. (Enter McNaughten and Spruce) Spruce (to McNaughten) Yes, sir, here they are: the father and daughter, together. You can speak with both of them about your affair. Hastings Ah, sir, my daughter and I must beg your pardon for my sister and her wild delusions. You conceive, sir, that women, like little girls, sometimes have spirits that go against their family. McNaughten Ah,--yes,--sir. Hastings You return quickly. I am delighted. McNaughten I come to wish you a good day. And, at the same time, to marry a lady named Flavella, whose father you are,--at least every one says so. In short, that is what brings me here. Hastings I've already told you, and I repeat, how much this pleases me. My daughter is happy, too. Having seen you, she now submits to love and duty. At first, she had a slight distaste--but after seeing you, her heart melted. McNaughten (puzzled) We've met before? Hastings Just now. You left her here, and appeared content. McNaughten Me? I left her here? Hastings YOU, without a doubt. Certainly. We were just greeting you, with great joy, when my sister came with her crazy talk, and interrupted our conversation. How can you forget so soon?