Venus. ’Twas you who placed the magic ring on my fingers, do I speak truly?
Alph. (Delighted.) Quite right, mum! (Aside.) I wish I knew her proper name. (Aloud.) I’m sure it’s very kind of you to take all the trouble of walking here from those gardens to give it me. You shall go back in a hansom.
Venus. And you think it was just to give you back this paltry ring I came? Think you it was for only this have I visited the face of the earth, and followed you to your palace? You are too modest! What is thy name?
Alph. Latherum—Alphonzo Latherum, hairdresser—hair cutting three pence, shaving a penny!
Venus. Alphonzo, happiness is yours! You have awakened me from my trance. Cast away all thy fears. You put the ring on my finger. I accept your offering—I am thine, and you, my hero, are mine!
Alph. You’re making a big mistake. I did not mean anything when I put that ring on your finger. The fact is I was a little boozed.
Venus. Boozed! Is he a god?
Alph. Not quite; though sometimes it is a spirit.
Venus. Come, Alphonzo—come, join me in my aerial flight to the regions far beyond these lowly worlds!
Alph. You’ll excuse—I can’t, I’ve made other arrangements. I am already engaged! I’ve got a girl!