erhaps, it is in your power to make me
hearken, or not, to Mr. Harlowe.

D. Young men, who have probably a good deal of time before them need
not be in haste for a wife. Mr. Hickman, poor man! must stay his time,
or take his remedy.

M. He bears more from you than a man ought.

D. Then, I doubt, he gives a reason for the treatment he meets with.

M. Provoking creature!

D. I have but one request to make to you, Madam.

M. A dutiful one, I suppose. What is it, pray?

D. That if you marry, I may be permitted to live single.

M. Perverse creature, I'm sure!

D. How can I expect, Madam, that you should refuse such terms? Ten
thousand pounds!--At the least ten thousand pounds!--A very handsome
proposal!--So many fine things too, to give you one by one!--Dearest
Madam, forgive me!--I hope it is not yet so far gone, that rallying this
man will be thought want of duty to you.

M. Your rallying of him, and your reverence to me, it is plain, have
one source.

D. I hope not, Madam. But ten thousand pounds----

M. Is no unhandsome proposal.

D. Indeed I think so. I hope, Madam, you will not be behind-hand with
him in generosity.

M. He won't be ten thousand pounds the better for me, if he survive me.

D. No, Madam; he can't expect that, as you have a daughter, and as he
is a bachelor, and has not a child!--Poor old soul!

M. Old soul, Nancy!--And thus to call him for being a bachelor, not
having a child!--Does this become you?

D. Not old soul for that, Madam--but half the sum; five thousand
pounds; you can't engage for less, Madam.

M. That sum has your approbation then? [Looking as if she'd be even
with me].

D. As he leaves it to your generosity, Madam, to reward his kindness to
you, it can't be less.--Do, dear Madam, permit me, without incurring your
displeasure, to call him poor old soul again.

M. Never was such a whimsical creature!--[turning away to hide her
involuntary smile, for I believe I looked very archly; at least I
intended to do so]--I hate that wicked sly look. You give yourself very
free airs--don't you?

D. I snatched her hand, and kissed it--My dear Mamma, be not angry with
your girl!--You have told me, that you was very lively formerly.

M. Formerly! Good lack!--But were I to encourage his proposals, you
may be sure, that for Mr. Hickman's sake, as well as your's, I should
make a wise agreement.

D. You have both lived to years