LOVEYET. Yes, when I can apply them to your disappointment and disgrace.--"I am monstrously chagrin'd, sir, 'foregad, that I have it not in my power to introduce you to the divine mistress of my heart." Ha, ha, ha. WORTHNOUGHT. 'Tis very well,--I will have revenge;--if the laws of politeness (which I would rather die than infringe) did not forbid swearing before a _lady_ [_In a contemptuous tone._], curse me, but I would d----n you for a-- LOVEYET. [_Interrupting him._]--"You must know, sir, I have the hanor and felicity of being this lady's very humble admirer."--You have failed in your predictions, I think, sir. WORTHNOUGHT. Yes, and she shall soon pay for her duplicity; tho' I would not have you think that her ill usage mortifies me in the least: I never was in love with her, nor did I ever intend marriage, which is more than _she_ can say; and, I believe, it is fortunate for us both, that you arriv'd when you did, or something might have happened, which would have obliged me to marry her, merely to prevent her from being miserable.--Ha, ha, ha. Tol lol, &c. [_Exit._ HARRIET. What a superlative wretch! LOVEYET. He is too contemptible to cost you a thought, Harriet:--none but the puppy tribe, and a few splenetic old maids, will pay any attention to his slander; they, no doubt, will spread it with avidity;--but to be traduced by such, is to be praised.--Hah!--there comes my father;--I forgot to tell you I expected him here: I will try if he knows me. _Enter OLD LOVEYET._ OLD LOVEYET. Madam, your most obedient;--Sir, your servant. LOVEYET. [_Bows._] I find he does not know me:--Nature, be still; for now I feel he is indeed my father. HARRIET. Mr. Loveyet, I am happy to see you. OLD LOVEYET. She would not be quite so happy, if she knew my errand. [_Aside._]--I have waited on you, madam, upon disagreeable business. HARRIET. How, sir?--I beg you will not leave me in suspense: What is it? OLD LOVEYET. It is a matter of a delicate nature, madam, and therefore, must not be spoken at random. LOVEYET. Heaven avert any unfavourable event! [_Aside._ HARRIET. Mr. Loveyet, your cautious innuendoes give me sensible uneasiness. LOVEYET. I will withdraw, Miss Trueman;--My love--friendship, I would say, though it wishes to afford you happiness, and participate in your troubles, does not presume to intrude on the private conversation Mr. Loveyet wishes. HARRIET. I dare say your presence is no restraint, sir. OLD LOVEYET. I don't know that, madam: pray, who is the gentleman? HARRIET. The gentleman is my very particular friend, sir.