Peacock Listen! What's all this about, if you please? I haven't even told you his name—only of his worthiness, and you are making faces, both of you.
Trippet
It's not his worth that displeases—it's his incompatible qualities.
Peacock
What? What incompatible qualities?
Trippet
Eh! Yes, sir. Those qualities are certainly found in an old dotard.
You are painting a wretched portrait of a handsome young man.
Peacock
But, I don't propose to marry my daughter to some old fuddy-duddy.
It's Mr. Flem.
Harriet (surprised)
Mr. Flem!
Trippet (same tone)
Mr. Flem!
Peacock
Yes, Mr. Flem. He's only fifty. Not old enough to be too virtuous.
Trippet A virtuous man is not for Miss Harriet, and I am going to prove it. In order to know the worth of a virtuous husband, is it not necessary for the wife to be dispirited herself? First, give her a young man of twenty, and not only will she be fine, she'll have a reasonable husband.
Peacock Nice reasoning. A smart daughter ought not to examine her future husband too closely. She ought to consider it a pleasure to find one agreeable to her father. Understand, Harriet? Now, on my return, I expect to find you disposed to receive the hand of Mr. Flem. (exit)