Walter. Mr. Verity, this isn't a joke to us.
Ste. I don't know that losing Lucy 'ud be a joke to me.
Walter. I can very well believe that. But it's a thing that's bound to come to you sooner or later.
Ste. You're making a mistake. It isn't bound to come at all. My daughter's no need to find a man to keep her. She's a head on her shoulders and sense enough to know when she's well off. Who's going to look after my house if Lucy marries? Tell me that, young man.
Walter. I really haven't thought about it, Mr. Verity.
Ste. And I'm not going to.
Walter. There'd be plenty of time to consider that. We're not proposing to get married to-morrow.
Ste. 'Um. Very good of you. Want a long engagement, eh?
Walter. Moderately.
Ste. And hope I'll be dead and out of your way first? (Sitting behind table c.)