Act 2, Part 1 Summary

Mr. Hardcastle instructs his yard servants on how to work in the house. They seem willing enough, but are easily confused and have difficulty remembering his instructions. Mr. Hardcastle becomes frustrated, but hears a coach driving into the yard and realizes he does not have a choice but to make do with what he has. He tells the servants to go to their posts and goes out to meet the coach. The servants go off, confused about where they are supposed to be going.

Marlow and Hastings come in and observe how nice the furnishings are. Marlow comments that he has been in inns all over the world, good ones and bad ones, and knows how to judge. Hastings suggests that having traveled so much Marlow should be more self-assured, particularly among women. Marlow replies that he has plenty of assurance...