Olivia. Perhaps you are, darling; but you must let us find out our own mistakes for ourselves. (Sits on stool L.C.) At any rate, Brian is a gentleman; he loves Dinah, Dinah loves him; he's earning enough to support himself, and you are earning enough to support Dinah.
George (amazed). What?
Olivia. I think it's worth risking, George.
George (stiffly). I can only say the whole question demands much more anxious thought than you seem to have given it. You say that he is a gentleman. He knows how to behave, I admit; but if his morals are as topsy-turvy as his tastes and–er–politics, as I've no doubt they are (rising and moving to L.), then-er–In short, I do not approve of Brian Strange as a husband for my niece and ward. (Knocks pipe out down L.)
Olivia (looking at him thoughtfully). You are a curious mixture, George. You were so very unconventional when you married me, and you're so very conventional when Brian wants to marry Dinah.... George Marden to marry the widow of a convict!
George (advancing). Convict! What do you mean?
Olivia. Jacob Telworthy, convict–I forget his number–surely I told you all this, dear, when we got engaged?
George. Never!
Olivia. Oh, but I told you how he carelessly put the wrong signature to a cheque for a thousand pounds in England; how he made a little mistake about two or three companies he'd promoted in Australia; and how–
George. Yes, yes (crossing slowly to C. below Olivia), but you never told me he'd been–er–well–convicted!