Hip. Nay, I am sure you would carry me away; what should you come in at the window for, if you did not mean to steal me.
Ger. If I should endeavour it, you might cry out, and I should be prevented.
Hip. [Aside.] Dull, dull man of the town! are all like thee? He is as dull as a country squire at questions and commands.—[To Gerrard.] No, if I should cry out never so loud, this is quite at the further end of the house, and there nobody could hear me.
Ger. I will not give you the occasion, dearest.
Hip. [Aside.] Well, I will quicken thy sense, if it be possible.—[To Gerrard.] Nay, I know you come to steal me away; because I am an heiress, and have twelve hundred pounds a year, lately left me by my mother's brother, which my father cannot meddle with, and which is the chiefest reason (I suppose) why he keeps me up so close.
Ger. Ha!
Hip. So!—this has made him consider. O money! powerful money! how the ugly, old, crooked, straight, handsome young women are beholding to thee! [Aside.
Ger. Twelve hundred pounds a year!
Hip. Besides, I have been told my fortune, and the woman said I should be stolen away, because she says 'tis the fate of heiresses to be stolen away.
Ger. Twelve hundred pounds a-year!—[Aside.