GEORGE (firmly). Now look here, Olivia, understand once and for all, I am not to be blackmailed into giving my consent to Dinah's engagement. Neither blackmailed nor tricked. Our marriage has nothing whatever to do with Dinah's.
OLIVIA. No, dear. I quite understand. They may take place about the same time, but they have nothing to do with each other.
GEORGE. I see no prospect of Dinah's marriage taking place for many years.
OLIVIA. No, dear, that was what I said.
GEORGE (not understanding for the moment). You said. . .? I see. Now, Olivia, let us have this perfectly clear. You apparently insist on treating my—er—proposal as serious.
OLIVIA (surprised). Wasn't it serious? Were you trifling with me?
GEORGE. You know quite well what I mean. You treat it as an ordinary proposal from a man to a woman who have never been more than acquaintances before. Very well then. Will you tell me what you propose to do, if you decide to—ah—refuse me? You do not suggest that we should go on living together—unmarried?
OLIVIA (shocked). Of course not, George! What would the County—I mean Heaven—I mean the Law—I mean, of course not! Besides, it's so unnecessary. If I decide to accept you, of course I shall marry you.
GEORGE. Quite so. And if you—ah—decide to refuse me? What will you do?
OLIVIA. Nothing.