STREPHON—At last! I am a wise child.
IOLANTHE— And being his wife, I will assume my domestic duties. Have you a club handy?
COUNSELOR— (Enters jubilant)—It's settled! Victory! victory! I put the case plainly to myself, although I must confess that when I addressed so important a personage as the legal adviser of the Chicago & Alton Railroad, I did so with many feelings of doubt in my mind. However, I took courage and pleaded my cause well. I said to myself, with the respect with which I always address myself, you are the legal adviser of the greatest railroad in the country, and, as such, you should not hesitate to exercise your droits de seigneur and take the girl from all competitors. I was bound to admit the force of my own argument, and so won my case. I shall marry the girl without delay. There is nothing to stand in the way.
IOLANTHE—(Comes down.)—Excepting a mere trifle.
COUNSELOR— And that is—but who are you? (Starts.) Ah! Thou livest, Iolanthe?