CAPT. H. Yes, especially as, in my opinion, it’s all owing to you that I’ve been cut adrift!
ARABEL. To me?
CAPT. H. Yes, they must have found out that I, Captain Bellerophon Hardaport, had got a sister in the fancy chip and straw bonnet line, who isn’t quite so particular as to the number of her admirers as she might be.
ARABEL. That’s my business.
CAPT. H. Never mind; now I am here, I’ll soon clear the decks of the whole crew of ’em. I began with an impertinent young jackanapes just now, that I found squinting at you through your shop window, in Cranbourne-alley. I haven’t done with that fellow yet; I know the cut of his jib, and if I ever do come alongside of him again, if I don’t blow him clean out of the water, at the first broadside, my name ain’t Hardaport.
ARABEL. You may blow him wherever you may think proper. I know nothing of the young man.
CAPT. H. (satirically) Of course not! (here a loud noise as of furniture falling and smashing of glass heard from room, R. 2 E.—looking at ARABELLA, who starts violently and looks alarmed) Well, if Mrs. Longshanks, or Strongshanks, or whatever her name is, don’t pay for what she breaks, you’ll have the worst of the bargain all to nothing. I’ll have the old woman out! (making a movement towards door)
ARABEL. (trying to stop him) No, no!
CAPT. H. I tell you I will!
(the CAPTAIN breaks from her, runs into room, and immediately returns, dragging on TRIPTOLEMUS, who is dressed in one of ARABELLA’S gowns, with shawl and bonnet, and veil drawn over his face)