Miss Nev. But what will repair beauty at forty, will certainly improve it at twenty, madam.
Mrs. Hard. Yours, my dear, can admit of none. That natural blush is beyond a thousand ornaments. Besides, child, jewels are quite out at present. Don't you see half the ladies of our acquaintance, my Lady Kill-day-light, and Mr. Crump, and the rest of them, carry their jewels to town, and bring nothing but paste and marcasites back?
Miss Nev. But who knows, madam, but somebody that shall be nameless would like me best with all my little finery about me?
Mrs. Hard. Consult your glass, my dear, and then see, if, with such a pair of eyes, you want any better sparklers. What do you think, Tony, my dear, does your cousin Con want jewels, in your eyes to set off her beauty?
Tony. That's as thereafter may be.
Miss Nev. My dear aunt, if you knew how it would oblige me.
Mrs. Hard. A parcel of old fashioned rose and table-cut things. They would make you look like the court of king Solomon at a puppet-show. Besides, I believe I can't readily come at them. They may be missing for aught I know to the contrary.
Tony. (Apart to Mrs. Hardcastle.) Then why don't you tell her so at once, as she's so longing for them? Tell her they're lost. It's the only way to quiet her. Say they're lost, and call me to bear witness.
Mrs. Hard. (Apart to Tony.) You know, my dear, I'm only keeping them for you. So, if I say they're gone, you'll bear me witness, will you? He! he! he!
Tony. Never fear me. Ecod! I'll say I saw them taken out with mine own eyes.