E. (laughing). And are you not later—by four years?
H. (firmly). I am twenty-four hours ahead of time.
A knock. Enter maid with a card.
E. Show him into the reception-room. I will come in a moment. (Exit maid.) It is he, Harold. I must go.
H. (taking her hands). Esther, think one moment. Forget the four years. I have come a day too soon. I have swallowed two cups of tea and eight lumps of sugar and made a general ass of myself—but—I love you.
E. But—but this is so shameless! I thought I should have to say—something like that—to him.
H. (coolly). And I am in time to save you from so unfortunate a mistake. You had much better tell it to me.
E. But I must give him an answer.
H. Give me one first! Adopt my plan, it is so simple. Send word—or tell him, if you like—that you are engaged. But come back!
E. Indeed, he shall have his answer first. His right demands precedence at least. But (opening the door) I will come back.