CAPT. H. Yes, they must have found out that I, Captain Bellerophon
Hardaport, had got a sister in the fancy chip and straw bonnet line,
who isn't _quite_ so particular as to the number of her admirers as
she might be.
ARABEL. That's my business.
CAPT. H. Never mind; now I _am_ here, I'll soon clear the decks of the
whole crew of 'em. I began with an impertinent young jackanapes just
now, that I found squinting at you through your shop window, in
Cranbourne-alley. I haven't done with that fellow yet; I know the cut
of his jib, and if I ever do come alongside of him again, if I don't
blow him clean out of the water, at the first broadside, my name ain't
Hardaport.
ARABEL. You may blow him wherever you may think proper. I know nothing
of the young man.
CAPT. H. (_satirically_) Of course not! (_here a loud noise as of
furniture falling and smashing of glass heard from room,
R. 2 E.--looking at ARABELLA, who starts violently and looks alarmed_)
Well, if Mrs. Longshanks, or Strongshanks, or whatever her name is,
don't pay for what she breaks, you'll have the worst of the bargain
all to nothing. I'll have the old woman out! (_making a movement
towards door_)
ARABEL. (_trying to stop him_) No, no!
CAPT. H. I tell you I will!
(_the CAPTAIN breaks from her, runs into room, and immediately
returns, dragging on TRIPTOLEMUS, who is dressed in one of ARABELLA'S
gowns, with shawl and bonnet, and veil drawn over his face_)
TRIPTOLE. (_assuming a woman's voice, and turning his head away_) I'm
a married woman, sir, with a husband, sir, and ten children.
CAPT. H. Hold your stupid old tongue, do! and let me have a look at
your figure head. (_trying to pull him round_)
TRIPTOLE. Is this the way you treat a poor lone widow with fourteen
children?