FIANCÉ. A great man like you has no such little weaknesses, I suppose?
AXEL. As you don't seem willing to speak, I shall. Of course, it is none of your business, but it may do you good to learn of it, as you don't seem to know it: I am regularly engaged to Miss Cecilia, who formerly was your fiancée.
FIANCÉ. [Startled] Who was?
AXEL. Because she has broken with you.
FIANCÉ. I know nothing about it.
AXEL. [Taking a ring from the pocket of his waistcoat] That's strange, but now you do know. And here you can see the ring she has given me.
FIANCÉ. So she has broken with me?
AXEL. Yes, as she couldn't be engaged to two men at the same time, and as she had ceased to care for you, she had to break with you. I might have told you all this in a more decent fashion, if you hadn't stepped on my corns the moment you came in.
FIANCÉ. I didn't do anything of the kind.
AXEL. Cowardly and disingenuous—cringing and arrogant at the same time!