most men, Sir John, but let the maid whose tender sensibility, whole soft delicacy, whose sympathy of soul gently animates her countenance, be my portion, and every other thing I can dispense with.
MISS MARTIN.
You three gentlemen, at least, are so far lucky in your tastes, that you are in no danger of ever becoming rivals.
LADY GOODBODY.
I must own, however, Sir John's choice appears to me to be the most reasonable, and not so difficult to be met with neither. My nieces spend many lonely months in the country with me, and Miss Martin prefers it, tho' she is naturally of a gay disposition; why should we not believe then that there are many young women in the world of the same character?
MISS MARTIN(aside to Lady Goodbody).
For heaven's sake, ma'am, give this up! you'll put me beside myself,
LADY GOODBODY(aside to Miss Martin).
You're a fool, and don't know when one is serving you.
SIR JOHN HAZELWOOD(to Miss Martin).
There is nothing can be said in your praise, madam, that will not be readily credited; but to prefer country retirement, and a bachelor past the
