One of Sheridan's strong situations is produced in this play. Don Jerome gives Isaac a glowing description of his daughter's charms; but when the latter goes to see her, the Duenna personates her.
Isaac. Madam, the greatness of your goodness overpowers me, that a lady so lovely should deign to turn her beauteous eyes on me, so. (He turns and sees her.)
Duenna. You seem surprised at my condescension.
Isaac. Why yes, madam, I am a little surprised at it. (Aside) This can never be Louisa—She's as old as my mother!...
Duenna. Signor, won't you sit?
Isaac. Pardon me, Madam, I have scarcely recovered my astonishment at—your condescension, Madam. (Aside) She has the devil's own dimples to be sure.
Duenna. I do not wonder, Sir, that you are surprised at my affability. I own, Signor, that I was vastly prepossessed against you, and being teazed by my father, did give some encouragement to Antonio; but then, Sir, you were described to me as a quite different person.
Isaac. Ay, and so you were to me upon my soul, Madam.
Duenna. But when I saw you, I was never more struck in my life.
Isaac. That was just my case too, Madam; I was struck all in a heap for my part.