ANN. Ah! [with a sigh of intense relief she relapses].
MRS WHITEFIELD. Oh, she's fainted again.
They are about to rush back to her; but Mendoza stops them with a warning gesture.
ANN. [supine] No I haven't. I'm quite happy.
TANNER. [suddenly walking determinedly to her, and snatching her hand from Violet to feel her pulse] Why, her pulse is positively bounding. Come, get up. What nonsense! Up with you. [He gets her up summarily].
ANN. Yes: I feel strong enough now. But you very nearly killed me, Jack, for all that.
MALONE. A rough wooer, eh? They're the best sort, Miss Whitefield. I congratulate Mr Tanner; and I hope to meet you and him as frequent guests at the Abbey.
ANN. Thank you. [She goes past Malone to Octavius] Ricky Ticky Tavy: congratulate me. [Aside to him] I want to make you cry for the last time.
TAVY. [steadfastly] No more tears. I am happy in your happiness. And I believe in you in spite of everything.
RAMSDEN. [coming between Malone and Tanner] You are a happy man, Jack Tanner. I envy you.