JOHN (pitifully). Don't let him be hard on me, my dear. I've done my best. If only you will speak to him. You can always have your way with your father. (He puts out his hands appealingly.)
ROSIE (taking his hand in hers and patting it as if soothing a frightened child). Don't be afraid. Do you think I'd let you two old gentlemen quarrel about nothing? Charlie's father and mine must always be good friends.
JOHN (relieved and almost tearful). Oh, my dear! (Distressed again). But Charlie———(He breaks off.)
ROSIE (encouragingly). Yes?
JOHN. You're not going to marry him after what's happened.
ROSIE. Why, of course I am.
JOHN (bewildered). But—I don't know anything—I thought he'd——
ROSIE (soothingly). Never mind, Mr. Bunting. I promise you father shan't be nasty to you.
JOHN (pressing her hand.) Bless you, my dear, bless you. You don't know what that means to me. (He goes out r., blunderingly. The murmur of great applause comes from c. Rosie looks off c. expectantly. The door opens and the sound increases. Enter Jabez visibly glowing with heat and triumph, Clavering all smiles, and a little behind Charlie, very much dejected. The door remains open and the sound dies down gradually.)
JABEZ. Thanks, Clavering. You did that very neatly.