_Sir W._ I've heard of matchless impudence, but curse me if this isn't the paragon of the species! Zounds! I'm in a wonderful passion! Daughter, I am resolved to have this affair explained to my satisfaction. _Helen._ You _may_ have it explained, papa, but I fear it won't be to your _satisfaction_. _Charles._ No, sir, nor to her ladyship's either, and now, as my situation here is not remarkably agreeable I take my leave: madam, your most obedient, and sir Willoughby, the next time you propose an agreeable surprise for your friends-- _Sir W._ Harkye sir, how you came into my house I can't tell, but if you don't presently walk out of it. _Charles._ I say, I heartily hope that you may accomplish your purpose. _Sir W._ Zounds, sir, leave my house. _Charles._ Without finding yourself the most astonished of the party! [_Exit._ _Sir W._ Thank heaven my house is rid of him. _Lady W._ As usual, sir Willoughby, a precious business you've made of this! _Sir W._ Death and furies, my Lady Worret-- _Falk._ Gently, my old friend, gently: I'm one too many here during these little domestic discussions; but before I go, on two points let me caution you; let your daughter choose her own husband if you wish her to have one without leaping out of the window to get at him; and be master of your own house and your own wife if you do not wish to continue, what you now are, the laughing-stock of all your acquaintance.-- [_Exit._ _Lady W._ Ah! the barbarian! _Sir W._ (_appears astonished_) I'm thunderstruck (_makes signs to Helen to go before._) _Helen._ Won't you go first, papa? _Sir W._ Hey? If I lose sight of you till you've explained this business, may I be laid up with the gout while you are galloping the Gretna Green! "Be master of your house and wife if you don't wish to continue, _what you now are_!--Hey? the laughing-stock of all your acquaintance!" Sir Willoughby Worret the laughing stock of all his acquaintance! I think I see my self the laughing-stock of all my acquaintance (_pointing to the door_) I'll follow you ladies! I'll reform! 'tis never too late to mend! [_Exeunt._ _End of Act. IV._ ACT V. SCENE I.--_An apartment at_ sir Willoughby Worret's. _Enter_ sir Willoughby _and_ lady Worret. _Sir W._ Lady Worret! lady Worret! I will have a reform. I am at last resolved to be master of my own house, and so let us come to a right understanding, and I dare say we shall be the better friends for it in future. _Lady W._ You shall see, sir Willoughby, that I can change as suddenly as yourself. Though you have seen my delicate system deranged on _slight_ occasions, you will find that in essential ones I have still spirit for resentment.