SWEET. (imitating) Oh, you’ll just say “You don’t go,” and she won’t go either, eh? (aside) Bluebeard! (aloud) Now really, Short, you are joking with me!
SHORT. You’ll soon see whether I’m in earnest.
SWEET. What, do you mean to pretend that she’ll give in without disputing the point—without a quarrel?
SHORT. Not the slightest—my wife always does as I wish her.
SWEET. Oh, so does mine, so does mine, when we both wish alike. Come, I bet you five pounds she goes.
SHORT. Done! I tell you what it is, Sweet, when a woman once falls violently in love with a man there’s no end to the influence he has over her.
SWEET. (aside) Conceited old hippopotamus! (aloud) You’ll lose your money, depend upon it, she’ll not give way.
SHORT. Well we shall see about that, for here she comes.
Enter MRS. SHORT, in hat and riding habit, through door, L. 1 E.
MRS. SHORT. Well, here you are, my dear, at last. (with marked playfulness patting his cheek) You naughty hubby to be so late. (crosses to SHORT)