Captain And you, too, sir, witness a parallel joy and respect in your intended son-in-law.
Hastings Your figure, your air, your wit—enchant me. My heart would be completely happy if your late uncle, whom I met with often to conclude this marriage, was still alive.
Captain Ah, sir, don't recall his death. An uncle that I loved with a tender regard. This boy can tell you of my excessive sorrow, and how, at his death, I was awash in tears.
Spruce How Heaven made his soul miserable! But to speak of him is to touch a very tender nerve and might— But he was very old.
Hastings
Not so very old, same age with me, about fifty.
Spruce The word old can be understood in many ways. I speak of old with respect to his health. He was always complaining of some infirmity.
Hastings Not at all. He was never attacked by a malady in his entire life until the horrible accident which caused his death.
Captain
He had an iron constitution.
Spruce (aside to Captain)
Now, you're right.
Captain (aside to Spruce)
Shut up, then.