Mr. W. Er—I'll read you the Refrain. (Reads, limply.)
"Molly and I. With nobody nigh.
Hearts all a-throb with a rapturous bliss,
Molly was shy. And (at first) so was I,
Till I summoned up courage to ask for a kiss!"
The Chairman. "Nobody nigh," Mr. Wheedler? I don't quite like that. The Music Hall ought to set a good example to young persons. "Molly and I—with her chaperon by," is better.
Second Censor. And that last line—"asking for a kiss"—does the song state that they were formally engaged, Mr. Wheedler?
Mr. W. I—I believe it omits to mention the fact. But (ingeniously) it does not appear that the request was complied with.
Second Censor. No matter—it should never have been made. Have the goodness to alter that into—well, something of this kind. "And I always addressed her politely as "Miss." Then we may pass it.
Mr. W. (reading the next verse).
"She wore but a simple sun-bonnet."
First Censor (shocked). Now really, Mr. Wheedler, really, Sir!
Mr. W. "For Molly goes plainly attired."