M. How could you think of any body else?--[angry, and drawing back her
face]. But do you know the subject, Nancy?
D. You have told it, Madam, by your manner of breaking it to me. But,
indeed, I question not that he had two motives in his visits--both
equally agreeable to me; for all that family love me dearly.
M. No love lost, if so, between you and them. But this [rising] is
what I get--so like your papa!--I never could open my heart to him!
D. Dear Madam, excuse me. Be so good as to open your heart to me.--
I don't love the Harlowes--but pray excuse me.
M. You have put me quite out with your forward temper! [angrily sitting
down again.]
D. I will be all patience and attention. May I be allowed to read his
letter?
M. I wanted to advise with you upon it.--But you are such a strange
creature!--you are always for answering one before one speaks!
D. You'll be so good as to forgive me, Madam.--But I thought every body
(he among the rest) knew that you had always declared against a second
marriage.
M. And so I have. But then it was in the mind I was in. Things may
offer----