OCTAVIUS. [raising his head with inexpressible relief] You are married!
VIOLET. Yes; and I think you might have guessed it. What business had you all to take it for granted that I had no right to wear my wedding ring? Not one of you even asked me: I cannot forget that.
TANNER. [in ruins] I am utterly crushed. I meant well—I apologize—abjectly apologize.
VIOLET. I hope you will be more careful in future about the things you say. Of course one does not take them seriously. But they are very disagreeable, and rather in bad taste.
TANNER. [bowing to the storm] I have no defence: I shall know better in future than to take any woman's part. We have all disgraced ourselves in your eyes, I am afraid, except Ann, SHE befriended you. For Ann's sake, forgive us.
VIOLET. Yes: Ann has been very kind; but then Ann knew.
TANNER. Oh!
MISS RAMSDEN. [stiffly] And who, pray, is the gentleman who does not acknowledge his wife?
VIOLET. [promptly] That is my business, Miss Ramsden, and not yours. I have my reasons for keeping my marriage a secret for the present.
RAMSDEN. All I can say is that we are extremely sorry, Violet. I am shocked to think of how we have treated you.