Harriet. My pride shall not let him triumph over my chagrin. [Aside.]—I know Miss Airy to be as accomplished as you represent her, sir: and Mr. Frankton gave such a lovely description of her, you say;—I dare say he did;—oh,—yes—yes [Appears disconcerted, by striving to hide her concern.]—he loves her to distraction;—Mr. Frankton has doubtless made a wise choice.
Loveyet. By all that's false, she is concerned at Frankton's having praised his mistress! She absolutely loves him!
[Aside.
Harriet. And you have seen the amiable Miss Airy, sir.
Loveyet. Forgive me, honour and veracity. [Aside.]—Yes, Miss Trueman; and not without a deep sense of her uncommon worth and beauty.
Harriet. I admire your discernment, sir;—Mr. Frankton, too, is a very nice judge of female merit; and he cannot evince his judgment better, than by praising my friend Maria.
Loveyet. Pardon me, madam: with submission to your friend's merit, I think his panegyric would better apply to you.
Harriet. That compliment is too great, to be meant, I fancy.
Loveyet. I rather think, you value the author of it so little, that you would as soon he should withhold it, madam.
Harriet. Certainly, sir, when I have reason to think there is another who has a better right to it, and for whom it is secretly intended.