Sir LUCIUS
Your son, sir, insulted me in a manner which my honour could not brook.
Sir ANTHONY Zounds! Jack, how durst you insult the gentleman in a manner which his honour could not brook?
Mrs. MALAPROP Come, come, let's have no honour before ladies—Captain Absolute, come here—How could you intimidate us so?—Here's Lydia has been terrified to death for you.
ABSOLUTE
For fear I should be killed, or escape, ma'am?
Mrs. MALAPROP
Nay, no delusions to the past—Lydia is convinced; speak, child.
Sir LUCIUS With your leave, ma'am, I must put in a word here: I believe I could interpret the young lady's silence. Now mark——
LYDIA
What is it you mean, sir?
Sir LUCIUS Come, come, Delia, we must be serious now—this is no time for trifling.
LYDIA 'Tis true, sir; and your reproof bids me offer this gentleman my hand, and solicit the return of his affections.
ABSOLUTE O! my little angel, say you so?—Sir Lucius—I perceive there must be some mistake here, with regard to the affront which you affirm I have given you. I can only say, that it could not have been intentional. And as you must be convinced, that I should not fear to support a real injury—you shall now see that I am not ashamed to atone for an inadvertency—I ask your pardon.—But for this lady, while honoured with her approbation, I will support my claim against any man whatever.