Ruth. I'm so glad! I've been some help, then.
Geoffrey. If I'd only got you earlier, I'd have been a different man, Ruth!
Ruth. [Smiling and taking his nervous hand in hers.] Then I mightn't have fallen in love with you if you were a different man!
Geoffrey. Dear girl! Anyway, this is the good news that I want to tell you—I hope now to have things settled in a couple of weeks.
Ruth. [In glad relief.] Geoffrey!
Geoffrey. But—I mayn't be successful; it might be, Ruth—it might be, we would have to wait—for years—
Ruth. [Quietly.] I don't think I could bear that! It's not easy for me to lie and deceive as I've had to the last few months; I don't think I could keep it up.
[Peter Cullingham enters suddenly, from the ballroom, a pale young man, but, unlike Geoffrey, hard and virile.
Peter. Oh, here you are! I say, are you two spoony? Just the way I feel! [Laughing.] I caught and hugged old Mrs. Parmby just now! I think it's sort of in the air at weddings, don't you?
Geoffrey. [Rising.] I'm surprised to see you've left the refreshment table, Peter.