SWEET. (aside) The bouquet!
SHORT. (looking through his eye glass) I can’t make it out very well at this distance, but there is nothing extraordinary in her having a bouquet, so has my wife.
MRS. SWEET. (affecting an air of gaiety) Well, you see we are dressed first.
SWEET. (struggling to keep down his feelings) So I perceive.
SHORT. So we perceive, ma’am.
MRS. SWEET. (aside to MRS. SHORT) My husband is in the secret, that is quite clear. (aloud to SWEET and SHORT) You are such beaux, you see, that you have kept us waiting.
SWEET. We must have been a very long time dressing, Short, or else these ladies must be very impatient to set out.
SHORT. True, Sweet, your remark is obviously correct.
SWEET. (looking at his wife) Minutes seems hours when the mind is on the stretch of expectation.
SHORT. (aside to SWEET, pulling him by the skirts of his coat) Ah! that’s all wrong! Take care!