Aug What would you advise, mamma? You know I am always advised by you.
Mrs M Dear, obedient child. De Boots has excellent expectations, but then they are only expectations after all. This American is rich, and on the whole I think a well regulated affection ought to incline to Asa Trenchard.
Mrs M At the same time, you must be cautious, or in grasping at Asa Trenchard's solid good qualities, you may miss them, and De Boots expectations into the bargain.
Aug Oh, I will take care not to give up my hold on poor De Boots 'till I am quite sure of the American.
Mrs M That's my own girl. [Enter Asa L.] Ah, Mr. Trenchard, we were just talking of your archery powers.
Asa Wal, I guess shooting with bows and arrows is just about like most things in life, all you've got to do is keep the sun out of your eyes, look straight--pull strong--calculate the distance, and you're sure to hit the mark in most things as well as shooting.
Aug But not in England, Mr. Trenchard. There are disinterested hearts that only ask an opportunity of showing how they despise that gold, which others set such store by.
Asa Wal, I suppose there are, Miss Gusty.
Asa [Crosses to C.] Do you, now? I wish I could make sure of that, for I've been cruelly disappointed in that particular.
Mrs M Yes, but we are old friends, Mr. Trenchard, and you needn't be afraid of us.
Asa Oh, I ain't afraid of you--both on you together.
Mrs M People sometimes look a great way off, for that which is near at hand. [Glancing at Augusta and Asa alternatively.]
Asa You don't mean, Miss Gusta. [Augusta casts sheeps eyes at him.] Now, don't look at me in that way. I can't stand it, if you do, I'll bust.
Mrs M Oh, if you only knew how refreshing this ingenuousness of yours is to an old woman of the world like me.
Asa Well I don't doubt it in the least. [Aside.] This gal and the old woman are trying to get me on a string. [Aloud.] Wal, then, if a rough spun fellow like me was to come forward as a suitor for your daughter's hand, you wouldn't treat me as some folks do, when they find out I wasn't heir to the fortune.
Mrs M Not heir to the fortune, Mr. Trenchard?
Asa Nary red, it all comes to their barkin up the wrong tree about the old man's property.