Lady C. (L. C.) And I am especially glad of the opportunity the case has given me of renewing an ancient friendship.
Sir J. (C.) Yes—we are very old friends, you and I! You have been abroad a long time?
Lady C. Yes—in Italy—since my husband's death.
Sir J. I trust you have now returned for good?
Mollen. (comes C. a step) I don't mean to part with her any more, Balsted! Italian cypresses may set off a widow's weeds—but now, that two years have passed! (Lady C. sits on stool. He produces a book) Balsted, I have taken the liberty to bring you my book—the casus belli—with an autograph inscription. (C. he presents it with a flourish) Allow me to offer it to you!
Sir J. (taking it) I am very much obliged.
Mollen. (R. C. rubbing his hands) "Mollentrave on Women!" I venture to say it is in a fair way to become a classic.
Lady C. (smiling) He has given away all our secrets!
Mollen. I was an observer from boyhood. Like Dante, I fell in love at the age of nine. Unlike Dante, I made notes. In the interests of my self-imposed study I married three times. (by chair R.) In short, you will find, between these covers, a most careful, complete investigation on scientific principles, of the baffling, perplexing creature known to us as Woman!
Lady C. (in smiling protest) Papa!