So much for the reading of the minutes. (To the Bride): Now for yours, my dear.
(The Bride hands up a similar envelope, from which The Clergyman extracts a similar document. But instead of reading it aloud, he delicately runs his eye through it in silence.)
The Clergyman
(The reading finished) Very good. Very creditable. You must see some good oculist about your astigmatism, my dear. Surely you want to avoid glasses. Come to my study on your return and I’ll give you the name of a trustworthy man. And now let us proceed with the ceremony of marriage. (To The Bridegroom): John, wilt thou have this woman to be thy wedded wife, to live together in the holy state of eugenic matrimony? Wilt thou love her, comfort her, protect her from all protozoa and bacteria, and keep her in good health; and, forsaking all other, keep thee unto her only, so long as ye both shall live? If so, hold out your tongue.
(The Bridegroom holds out his tongue and The Clergyman inspects it critically.)
The Clergyman
(Somewhat dubiously) Fair. I have seen worse.... Do you smoke?
The Bridegroom
(Obviously lying) Not much.
The Clergyman