Dr. E. (R., looking after them). Poor foolish couple! I pity you both. She is marrying him for his money, and he her for her good looks. And good looks fade, and money is powerless to satisfy the cravings of the heart, and then, what? (Enter Jim, C.) Well, Jim?
Jim. If you please, sir, will you want the carriage?
Dr. E. Not yet. By the by, Jim, have you fixed everything all right with Jennie?
Jim. Not—not exactly, sir. To tell the truth (comes down L.), she has been going on worse than ever since the master has been sick, and Miss Kate has been, as it were, the head of the family. "There's a woman for you!" says Jennie, "and do you dare tell me you have any business to go and vote and Miss Kate stay at home?" says Jennie, and what can I say, sir? It's not for me to set myself up above Miss Kate!
Dr. E. Poor Jim! Your love matters really do not glide along very smoothly. But they never do, Jim (sighing), they never do.
Jim. You're very right, sir. To be in love is the most wearing thing I know of.
Dr. E. I fear Jennie is a sad tease.
Jim. Tease, sir! Why, she even teases me in my dreams!
Dr. E. Then if she makes you so unhappy, why not give up all thoughts of her, and—
Jim. Give up all thoughts of Jennie! Never, sir! Why, I had rather be made that miserable that I am reduced to walking about in my bones than give up Jennie. No, sir! It's a curious fact. (Enter Jennie, C.) A strange weakness in the composition of a man is that the more unhappy a woman makes him the better he likes her!