MARIA. No Sir--He was engaged.

SIR PETER. Well--Maria--do you not reflect[,] the more you converse
with that amiable young man[,] what return his Partiality for you
deserves?

MARIA. Indeed Sir Peter--your frequent importunity on this subject
distresses me extremely--you compell me to Declare that I know no man
who has ever paid me a particular Attention whom I would not prefer
to Mr. Surface--

SIR PETER. Soh! Here's Perverseness--no--no--Maria, 'tis Charles
only whom you would prefer--'tis evident his Vices and Follies have
won your Heart.

MARIA. This is unkind Sir--You know I have obey'd you in neither
seeing nor corresponding with him--I have heard enough to convince
me that He is unworthy my regard--Yet I cannot think it culpable--
if while my understanding severely condemns his Vices, my Heart
suggests some Pity for his Distresses.

SIR PETER. Well well pity him as much as you please, but give your
Heart and Hand to a worthier object.

MARIA. Never to his Brother!

SIR PETER. Go--perverse and obstinate! but take care, Madam--
you have never yet known what the authority of a Guardian is--
don't compel me to inform you of it.--