She Stoops to Conquer Chapter Summary & Analysis - Act 4, Part 1 Summary

Act 4, Part 1 Summary

Miss Neville tells Hastings that she has just seen a letter from Marlow's father, Sir Charles, saying that he will be arriving for a visit. Hastings becomes concerned, and says that Sir Charles might reveal his (Hastings) plans to the rest of the family. He also tells Miss Neville that he gave the jewels to Marlow for safekeeping. He goes off to get the horses ready for their departure, while Miss Neville goes off to keep Mrs. Hardcastle busy with more conversation about Tony.

Marlow comes in with a Servant, and asks him whether he handed the jewels over to "the landlady" (Mrs. Hardcastle) for safekeeping. The Servant tells him he did, and then leaves. Hastings comes in, and Marlow tells him about his enthusiasm for the barmaid. Hastings protests that the girl may be a barmaid but still has virtue and honor. Marlow says that women like the barmaid...
(read more)