Hardcastle Scenes

Hardcastle reveals that Tony has legally come of age, prompting Tony to immediately refuse his arranged marriage to Constance Neville.

Act II, Scene 1. Marlow and Hastings, mistakenly believing they are at an inn rather than a private estate, treat their host Hardcastle with appalling rudeness. They dismiss his elaborate supper menu and insist on inspecting the kitchen and bedrooms, leaving the bewildered Hardcastle to marvel at their 'modern modesty'.

A case of mistaken identity reaches a breaking point as Hardcastle attempts to evict Marlow, who still believes the house is a country inn.

Act I, Scene 1. Mr. Hardcastle informs his daughter Kate that he has chosen a suitor for her, the son of an old friend. While Kate is initially delighted by the description of the young man's looks and character, she becomes dismayed to learn of his extreme bashfulness and reserve.

Act III, Scene 1. Mr. Hardcastle and his daughter Kate compare their vastly different first impressions of Mr. Marlow, unaware that he behaves differently depending on a woman's social standing. While Hardcastle finds him insufferably impudent, Kate finds him painfully shy, leading them to make a wager on his true character.