Mr M. Beastly, isn’t it?
Miss G. Well, it’s—monotonous.
Mr M. It’s worse than that. It’s degrading, it’s heart-breaking, it’s ruin to the character. It saps my faith in humanity, it trammels my actions, it confines my affections, it cuts me off from friendship, from the pleasant and innocent companionships which my nature longs for. I alone mayn’t look with the eye of honest admiration on a pretty girl, I alone mayn’t——
Miss G. Sit in a conservatory?
Mr M. (With a shudder.) Above all—not that! I tell you it’s kept me single for years! And you for——
Miss G. Years?
Mr M. (Smiling.) Months! All last season and most of this! Take your case now——
Miss G. (Eagerly leaning forward.) Oh yes, let’s!
Mr M. You’d naturally enjoy men’s society, you’d like their friendship, their company, their admiration. You’d enjoy an innocent but piquant flirtation.
Miss G. Should I?