mrs. opie. Ann, do you need me more to-night?
ann. Not any more.
mrs. opie. Ann, there is gossip among the servants about a wager . . .
ann. Mrs. Opie, that was . . . yesterday.
mrs. opie. Ann, I should be glad to be able to contradict a reported . . embrace.
ann. I was kissed.
mrs. opie. I am shocked.
carnaby. Mrs. Opie, is it possible that all these years I have been nourishing a prude in my . . back drawing-room?
mrs. opie. I presume I am discharged of Ann's education; but as the salaried mistress of your household, Mr. Leete, I am grieved not to be able to deny such a rumour to your servants.
She sails back, righteously indignant.