Enter Mr. Hardy.
Hardy. Well, now; wasn't I right? Aye, Letty! Aye, Cousin Racket! wasn't I right? I knew 'twould be so. He was all agog to see her before he went abroad; and, if he had, he'd have thought no more of her face, may be, than his own.
Mrs. Rack. May be, not half so much.
Hardy. Aye, may be so:—but I see into things; exactly as I foresaw, to-day he fell desperately in love with the wench, he! he! he!
Letit. Indeed, Sir! how did you perceive it?
Hardy. That's a pretty question! How do I perceive every thing? How did I foresee the fall of corn, and the rise of taxes? How did I know, that if we quarrelled with America, Norway deals would be dearer? How did I foretell that a war would sink the funds? How did I forewarn Parson Homily, that if he didn't some way or other contrive to get more votes than Rubrick, he'd lose the lectureship? How did I——But what the devil makes you so dull, Letitia? I thought to have found you popping about as brisk as the jacks of your harpsichord.
Letit. Surely, Sir, 'tis a very serious occasion.
Hardy. Pho, pho! girls should never be grave before marriage. How did you feel, Cousin, beforehand? Aye!
Mrs. Rack. Feel! why exceedingly full of cares.
Hardy. Did you?