LYDIA
Let her choice be Captain Absolute, but Beverley is mine.
Mrs. MALAPROP [Aside.] I am astonished at her assurance!—to his face—this is to his face!
ABSOLUTE
Thus then let me enforce my suit. [Kneeling.]
Mrs. MALAPROP [Aside.] Ay, poor young man!—down on his knees entreating for pity!—I can contain no longer.—[Coming forward.] Why, thou vixen!—I have overheard you.
ABSOLUTE
[Aside.] Oh, confound her vigilance!
Mrs. MALAPROP Captain Absolute, I know not how to apologize for her shocking rudeness.
ABSOLUTE [Aside.] So all's safe, I find.—[Aloud.] I have hopes, madam, that time will bring the young lady——
Mrs. MALAPROP Oh, there's nothing to be hoped for from her! she's as headstrong as an allegory on the banks of Nile.
LYDIA
Nay, madam, what do you charge me with now?
Mrs. MALAPROP Why, thou unblushing rebel—didn't you tell this gentleman to his face that you loved another better?—didn't you say you never would be his?