HASTINGS. Then I must not be seen. So now to my fruitless appointment at the bottom of the garden. This is about the time. [Exit.]
Enter SIR CHARLES and HARDCASTLE.
HARDCASTLE. Ha! ha! ha! The peremptory tone in which he sent forth his sublime commands!
SIR CHARLES. And the reserve with which I suppose he treated all your advances.
HARDCASTLE. And yet he might have seen something in me above a common innkeeper, too.
SIR CHARLES. Yes, Dick, but he mistook you for an uncommon innkeeper, ha! ha! ha!
HARDCASTLE. Well, I’m in too good spirits to think of anything but joy. Yes, my dear friend, this union of our families will make our personal friendships hereditary; and though my daughter’s fortune is but small—
SIR CHARLES. Why, Dick, will you talk of fortune to ME? My son is possessed of more than a competence already, and can want nothing but a good and virtuous girl to share his happiness and increase it. If they like each other, as you say they do—
HARDCASTLE. IF, man! I tell you they DO like each other. My daughter as good as told me so.
SIR CHARLES. But girls are apt to flatter themselves, you know.