MISS HOYDEN.
That’s my best nurse; do as you’d be done by. Trust us together this once, and if I don’t show my breeding, I wish I may never be married, but die an old maid.
NURSE.
Well, this once I’ll venture you. But if you disparage me—
MISS HOYDEN.
Never fear. [Exit NURSE.]
Enter TOM FASHION.
TOM FASHION.
Your servant, madam; I’m glad to find you alone, for I have something of importance to speak to you about.
MISS HOYDEN.
Sir (my lord, I meant), you may speak to me about what you please, I shall give you a civil answer.
TOM FASHION.
You give so obliging an one, it encourages me to tell you in a few words what I think, both for your interest and mine. Your father, I suppose you know, has resolved to make me happy in being your husband; and I hope I may obtain your consent to perform what he desires.
MISS HOYDEN.
Sir, I never disobey my father in anything but eating green gooseberries.
TOM FASHION.
So good a daughter must needs be an admirable wife. I am therefore impatient till you are mine, and hope you will so far consider the violence of my love, that you won’t have the cruelty to defer my happiness so long as your father designs it.
MISS HOYDEN.
Pray, my lord, how long is that?