Fred. But, if I were, I should be loth to be laughed at.
Luc. Since you are not in love, you may the better counsel me: What shall we do with this same troublesome father of yours?
Fred. Any thing, but love him.
Luc. But you know he has me at a bay; my letter is in his possession, and he may produce it to my ruin: Therefore, if I did allow him some little favour, to mollify him—
Fred. How, madam? Would you allow him favours? I can never consent to it: Not the least look or smile; they are all too precious, though they were to save his life.
Luc. What, not your father? Oh that he would confess he loved me first! [Aside.
Fred. What have I done? I shall betray myself, and confess my love to be laughed at, by this hard-hearted woman. [Aside.] 'Tis true, madam, I had forgot; he is, indeed, my father, and therefore you may use him as kindly as you please.
Luc. He's insensible: Now he enrages me. [Aside.] What if he proposes to marry me? I am not yet professed, and 'twould be much to my advantage.
Fred. Marry you! I had rather die a thousand deaths, than suffer it.
Luc. This begins to please me. [Aside.
But why should you be so much my enemy?