MASC. Pray, Signor Albert, use milder terms, and do not be so angry with your son-in-law.
ALB. How! son-in-law, rascal? You look as if you were the main-spring of this intrigue, and the originator of it.
MASC. Really I see no reason for you to fly in such a passion.
ALB. Pray, do you think it right to take away the character of my daughter, and bring such a scandal upon a whole family?
MASC. He is ready to do all you wish.
ALB. I only want him to tell the truth. If he had any inclination for Lucile, he should have courted her in an honourable and open way; he should have acted as he ought, and asked her father's leave; and not have had recourse to this cowardly contrivance, which offends modesty so much.
MASC. What! Lucile is not secretly engaged to my master?
ALB. No, rascal, nor ever will be.
MASC. Not quite so fast! If the thing is already done, will you give your consent to ratify that secret engagement?
ALB. And if it is certain that it is not so, will you have your bones broken?