MRS. P. (severely). My dear, I’m really surprised to hear a well-educated young lady express herself in such, I might almost say indelicate, terms. But to return; I need not say I would not encourage any candidate for your hand who was not deserving of you.
FANNY. Of course not, mamma! He must be worthy of such a treasure!
MRS. P. Tolerably young, and not absolutely ill-looking!
FANNY (eagerly). Certainly not! (Aside.) I call Augustus decidedly good-looking!
MRS. P. And in the possession of ample means.
FANNY (aside). Augustus has got ever so much already, besides two rich maiden aunts and an aged godmother!
MRS. P. All of which qualifications are, fortunately, in the possession of Sir Marmaduke Mangle!
FANNY. Sir Marmaduke Mangle? Lor, mamma, you can’t mean that little old man we met at Brighton, with a bad cough, a wig, and a canary-colored complexion?
MRS. P. He’s not old by any means, and is only slightly canary-colored after all! However, he has seen you, he admires you, and offers you his hand, his heart, his title, and his fortune!
FANNY. But I don’t love him, mamma! I never could love him—even if I didn’t love somebody else!