"Well said; that was laid on with a trowel."
"Gratiano speaks an infinite deal of nothing, more than any man in all Venice."
"After all, indeed; you may well say that," says Mr. Monkton, with indignation. "If those two idiots meant matrimony all along, why on earth didn't they do it all before. See what a lot of time they've lost, and what a disgraceful amount of trouble they have given all round."
"Yes, yes, of course. But then you see, Freddy, it takes some time to make up one's mind about such an important matter as that."
"It didn't take you long," says Mr. Monkton most unwisely.
"It took me a great deal longer than it took you," replies his wife with dignity. "You have always said that it was the very first day you ever saw me—and I'm sure it took me quite a week!"
This lucid speech she delivers with some severity.
"More shame for you," says Monkton promptly.
"Well, never mind," says she, too happy and too engrossed with her news to enjoy even a skirmish with her husband. "Isn't it all charming, Freddy?"