MARLOW: As I behave to all other ladies. A barmaid, or a milliner--but to me a modest woman dressed out in her finery is the most tremendous object in creation. An impudent fellow may counterfeit modesty, but I'll be hanged if a modest man can counterfeit impudence. I shall bow very low, answer yes and no, and I don't think I shall venture to look her in the face. The fact is, I have really come down to forward your affair, not mine. Miss Neville loves you, the family don't know you, as my friend you are sure of a reception, and----Here comes mine host to interrupt us. [_Enter_ HARDCASTLE. HARDCASTLE: Heartily welcome once more, gentlemen; which is Mr. Marlow? Sir, you are heartily welcome. MARLOW: He has got our names from the servants already. [MARLOW _and_ HASTINGS _converse together, ostentatiously ignoring_ HARDCASTLE'S _attempts to join in with a story of Marlborough at the siege of Denain_. MARLOW: My good friend, a glass of that punch would help us to carry on the siege. HARDCASTLE: Punch sir! (_Aside_) This is the most unaccountable kind of modesty I ever met with. Well, here, Mr. Marlow, here's to our better acquaintance. MARLOW: A very impudent fellow, but a character; I'll humour him. Sir, my service to you. (_They drink_.) Well, now, what have you in the house for supper? HARDCASTLE: For supper! (_Aside_) Was ever such a request to a man in his own house! MARLOW: Yes, sir; supper. I begin to feel an appetite. HARDCASTLE: Sure, such a brazen dog----Sir, I believe the bill of fare is drawn out; you shall see it. (_The menu is produced and discussed in scathing terms. Then_ MARLOW _insists on seeing himself that the beds are properly aired_.) Well, sir, I will attend you. This may be modern modesty, but I never saw anything so like old-fashioned impudence. [_Exeunt_ HARDCASTLE _and_ MARLOW. HASTINGS: This fellow's civilities begin to grow troublesome. (_Enter_ MISS NEVILLE.) Miss Neville, by all that's happy! MISS NEVILLE: My dear Hastings! HASTINGS: But how could I have hoped to meet my dearest Constance at an inn? MISS NEVILLE: An inn! You mistake. My aunt, my guardian, lives here. How could you think this house an inn? HASTINGS: My friend, Mr. Marlow, and I were directed hither by a young fellow---- MISS NEVILLE: One of my hopeful cousin's tricks. HASTINGS: We must keep up the deception with Marlow; else he will fly. Hastings has planned to elope with Miss Neville; she wishes first to get into her own hands her jewelry, which is in Mrs. Hardcastle's possession. As they complete their plot Marlow enters.