Margaret. (to Everard) Oh, think of the shock! Your poor uncle! Oh, my heart fails me!
(They fall into whispers. Mollentrave comes in, and chuckles at finding them all together. Both couples start guiltily and try to go, Margaret and Everard R. 2 E., Sir Joseph and Lady Claude L. 2 E.)
Mollen. (C.) No, no, don't go—sit down please—I've something to say to you—all!
(They sit all of them in the greatest embarrassment, avoiding each other's eyes, Margaret and Everard R. and R. C., Sir Joseph up L. C., Lady Claude down L.)
Mollen. (C.) (striking an attitude) The poets have babbled of love since the first introduction of rhyme;—but all that we know, or need know, is that Cupid is—young! (he turns to Sir Joseph) Balsted! The elderly fisherman baits his fat hook and thinks he has landed the salmon—down below, a barefoot boy wades in, and captures the prize! As a lover, Balsted, you have every quality—every one in the world that appeals to a beautiful girl—every one, with the exception of youth!
Margaret. (R. C.) (falling on her knees before Sir Joseph) Forgive me!
Sir J. (staggered) Margaret! (crosses to R. C.)
Mollen. (down L. C.) You must forgive her! Balsted, it was your brain, your massive brain, that attracted poor Margaret—but to-day, as she sat beside Everard, two pair of lips met, quite by chance—and your brain was forgotten!
(Lady Claude still sitting L.)
Everard. (rising R.) (appealingly) Lady Claude!