To these, Austin, Barbara announcing
Barbara. Mr. Austin. (She shows Austin in, and retires.)
Austin. You will do me the justice to acknowledge, Mr. Fenwick, that I have been not long delayed by my devotion to the Graces.
Anthony. So, sir, I find you in my house——
Austin. And charmed to meet you again. It went against my conscience to separate so soon. Youth, Mr. Musgrave, is to us older men a perpetual refreshment.
Anthony. You came here, sir, I suppose, upon some errand?
Austin. My errand, Mr. Musgrave, is to your fair sister. Beauty, as you know, comes before valour.
Anthony. In my own house, and about my own sister, I presume I have the right to ask for something more explicit.
Austin. The right, my dear sir, is beyond question; but it is one, as you were going on to observe, on which no gentleman insists.