Mrs. M. What business have you, miss, with preference and aversion? They don't become a young woman. But, suppose we were going to give you another choice, will you promise us to give up this Beverley?
Lyd. Could I belie my thoughts so far as to give that promise, my actions would certainly as far belie my words.
Mrs. M. Take yourself to your room! You are fit company for nothing but your own ill humors.
Lyd. Willingly, ma'am; I cannot change for the worse.
Mrs. M. There's a little intricate hussy for you! [Exit.
Sir A. It is not to be wondered at, ma'am; all that is the natural consequence of teaching girls to read. On my way hither, Mrs. Malaprop, I observed your niece's maid coming forth from a circulating library: from that moment, I guessed how full of duty I should see her mistress!
Mrs. M. Those are vile places, indeed!
Sir A. Madam, a circulating library in a town is as an evergreen tree of diabolical knowledge!
Mrs. M. Fie, fie, Sir Anthony! you surely speak laconically.
Sir A. Why, Mrs. Malaprop, in moderation, now, what would you have a woman know?