PHILIP. Sh!
DOLLY (tumultuously). Oh, my feelings! I want to kiss somebody; and we bar it in the family. Where's Finch?
McCOMAS (starting violently). No, positively— (Crampton appears in the window.)
DOLLY (running to Crampton). Oh, you're just in time. (She kisses him.) Now (leading him forward) bless them.
GLORIA. No. I will have no such thing, even in jest. When I need a blessing, I shall ask my mother's.
CRAMPTON (to Gloria, with deep disappointment). Am I to understand that you have engaged yourself to this young gentleman?
GLORIA (resolutely). Yes. Do you intend to be our friend or—
DOLLY (interposing). —or our father?
CRAMPTON. I should like to be both, my child. But surely—! Mr. Valentine: I appeal to your sense of honor.
VALENTINE. You're quite right. It's perfect madness. If we go out to dance together I shall have to borrow five shillings from her for a ticket. Gloria: don't be rash: you're throwing yourself away. I'd much better clear straight out of this, and never see any of you again. I shan't commit suicide: I shan't even be unhappy. It'll be a relief to me: I—I'm frightened, I'm positively frightened; and that's the plain truth.