Belvil. Hush, Jack, don't betray yourself. But you are really ashamed of the family-name?
Mr. H. Ay, and of my father that begot me, and my father's father, and all their forefathers that have borne it since the Conquest.
Belvil. But how do you know the women are so squeamish?
Mr. H. I have tried them. I tell you there is neither maiden of sixteen nor widow of sixty but would turn up their noses at it. I have been refused by nineteen virgins, twenty-nine relicts, and two old maids.
Belvil. That was hard indeed, Jack.
Mr. H. Parsons have stuck at publishing the banns, because they averred it was a heathenish name; parents have lingered their consent, because they suspected it was a fictitious name; and rivals have declined my challenges, because they pretended it was an ungentlemanly name.
Belvil. Ha, ha, ha! but what course do you mean to pursue?
Mr. H. To engage the affections of some generous girl, who will be content to take me as Mr. H.
Belvil. Mr. H.?
Mr. H. Yes, that is the name I go by here; you know one likes to be as near the truth as possible.