(Texel does not conceal his enjoyment of the scene.)
Cyrus. (Grimly.) Which wife?
(Carve twiddles his thumbs.)
Alcar. But do you mean——
Texel. May I interrupt, Lord Leonard? I could listen for hours to this absolutely stupendous gentleman. A circus is nothing to it. But aren't we jumping the track? I've got two witnesses. Mr. Cyrus Carve will swear that your Mr. X is not his cousin. And the original Mrs. Albert Shawn will swear that he is her husband. That's my case. How is my esteemed opponent going to answer it?
Ebag. In the first place, have you cross-examined this very original Mrs. Albert Shawn?
Texel. Come. You don't mean to argue that a woman could mistake another man for her own husband—even after twenty-five years or so?
Ebag. (Smiling apologetically for his freedom.) According to the divorce reports, they're constantly doing it after one year, to say nothing of twenty-five.
Texel. (Appreciative.) Good! That's good! Well, I may tell you right here that I had an interview with this gentleman's (indicating Carve) ecclesiastical twins only yesterday afternoon, and they assure me that their mother is positive on the point.
Janet. (Meditatively.) Simpletons!