Miss Rich. You would seem to insinuate, madam, that I have particular reasons for being disposed to refuse it.
Mrs. Croaker. Whatever I insinuate, my dear, don't be so ready to wish an explanation.
Miss Rich. I own I should be sorry Mr. Honeywood's long friendship and mine should be misunderstood.
Honeyw. There's no answering for others, madam; but I hope you'll never find me presuming to offer more than the most delicate friendship may readily allow.
Miss Rich. And, I shall be prouder of such a tribute from you, than the most passionate professions from others.
Honeyw. My own sentiments, madam: friendship is a disinterested commerce between equals; love, an abject intercourse between tyrants and slaves.
Miss Rich. And, without a compliment, I know none more disinterested or more capable of friendship than Mr. Honeywood.
Mrs. Croaker. And indeed I know nobody that has more friends, at least among the ladies. Miss Fruzz, Miss Odbody, and Miss Winterbottom, praise him in all companies. As for Miss Biddy Bundle, she's his professed admirer.
Miss Rich. Indeed! an admirer! I did not know, sir, you were such a favourite there. But is she seriously so handsome? Is she the mighty thing talked of?
Honeyw. The town, madam, seldom begins to praise a lady's beauty, till she's beginning to lose it.