Miss Hard. (Aside.) I vow, and so do I. (To him.) You were observing, sir, that in this age of hypocrisy, something about hypocrisy, sir.
Marl. Yes, madam; in this age of hypocrisy there are few who, upon strict inquiry, do not—a—a—a—
Miss Hard. I understand you perfectly, sir.
Marl. (Aside.) Egad! and that's more than I do myself.
Miss Hard. You mean that, in this hypocritical age, there are few that do not condemn in public what they practise in private, and think they pay every debt to virtue when they praise it.
Marlow.—"I was observing, madam."—p. 342.
Marl. True, madam; those who have most virtue in their mouths, have least of it in their bosoms. But I'm sure I tire you, madam.
Miss Hard. Not in the least, sir; there's something so agreeable, and spirited, in your manner; such life and force—pray, sir, go on.
Marl. Yes, madam; I was saying—that there are some occasions—when a total want of courage, madam, destroys all the—and puts us—upon a—a—a—