Marl. But hear me, sir——
Hard. Your father approves the match, I admire it, every moment's delay will be doing mischief, so——
Marl. But why won't you hear me? By all that's just and true, I never gave Miss Hardcastle the slightest mark of my attachment, or even the most distant hint to suspect me of affection. We had but one interview, and that was formal, modest and uninteresting.
Hard. (Aside.). This fellow's formal modest impudence is beyond bearing.
Sir Charles. And you never grasped her hand, or made any protestations?
Marl. As Heaven is my witness, I came down in obedience to your commands. I saw the lady without emotion, and parted without reluctance. I hope you'll exact no further proofs of my duty, nor prevent me from leaving a house in which I suffer so many mortifications.
Exit.
Sir Charles. I'm astonished at the air of sincerity with which he parted.
Hard. And I'm astonished at the deliberate intrepidity of his assurance.
Sir Charles. I dare pledge my life and honour upon his truth.