Sir W. Come, come, my dear lady Worret. Helen’s gayety is natural. Helen, my love, I have charming news for you. Every thing is at last arranged between lord Austencourt and me respecting your marriage.
Helen. Why now, if mamma-in-law had said this, I should have thought she meant to make me as grave as herself.
Lady W. In expectation that Helen will behave as becomes her in this most important affair of her life, I consent to pass over her negligence this morning in regard to my favourite receipts.
Helen. I hate all receipts, sweet, bitter, and sour.
Lady W. Then we will now talk of a husband.
Helen. I hate all husbands, sweet, bitter, and sour.
Sir W. Whoo! Helen, my love, you should not contradict your mamma.
Helen. My dear papa, I don’t contradict her; but I will not marry lord Austencourt.
Lady W. This is too much for my weak nerves. I leave you, sir Willoughby, to arrange this affair, while I hasten to attend to my domestic duties.
Sir W. (aside to lady W.) That’s right; you’d better leave her to me. I’ll manage her, I warrant. Let me assist you—there—I’ll soon settle this business. (Hands lady Worret off.)