SWEET. Ah! ah! didn’t I surprise you trying your hat on fifty different ways before the glass this very morning—you are caught there, I think!
MRS. SWEET. It’s not true! You did nothing of the sort! You’re always saying something of this kind, and since these are the sentiments you entertain of me, I positively refuse to stir a foot with you—so you may go without me! (doggedly seating herself)
MRS. SHORT. (eagerly) Oh, Fanny!
SWEET. (coaxingly) Now, really my dear—you can’t be in earnest.
MRS. SWEET. (pettishly) No, no, I won’t go!—not an inch. (crosses and sits, R.)
SWEET. Very well, Mrs. Sweet! very well! The old story! You haven’t contradicted me before to-day, and so you think it is full time to begin. Was there ever such caprice? (crosses to L.)
MRS. SHORT. (anxiously persuading her) My dear Fanny, now do be reasonable—you are not going to take offence without a cause?—a mere word in joke—Mr. Sweet was only in fun—were you, Mr. Sweet? After all Mr. Billington’s politeness too, surely you’ll go, it would seem so personal.
SWEET. To be sure! Insult a man like Billington! One of the first houses in the City! Most respectable delightful creature like Billington! Why, he keeps two carriages, a couple of saddle horses, and a buggy!
MRS. SHORT. Come now, Fanny, say you’ll go.
SWEET. (coaxingly) Do! There’s a ducky!