Anas. Then everything is in readiness for the reception of the bride and groom. You may retire, Coriolanus, and be pleased to announce them as soon as they arrive.
Corio. I will hold myself in readiness to gratify your desires. [Going, aside.] The darling creature! She cannot trust her feelings when alone in my presence. Every look, every action, speak of the great admiration she has for me.
Anas. Well! [Impatiently.] Will you go?
Corio. I quicken! [Exit D. R. 3 E.]
Anas. The stupid dolt, with his stuck-up manners. I hate him! I wonder whether Mary has attended to the room. [Goes to door, L. 2 E., and calls.] Mary! Mary! [Mary answers off entrance, “Ma’am.”] Have you thoroughly aired Reginald’s apartments? [Mary, as before, “Yes, Ma’am.” Anastasia closes door.] So! Reginald and his bride will soon be here, and they will find everything well regulated, thanks to my personal supervision. I can’t say that I like Reginald’s choice. The bold thing, to throw herself upon a man like that, and before everybody, too! It’s outrageous—not a bit of maidenly modesty—I shall hate her, I know I shall. And Reginald was so pleased to accept the proud thing. What fools men are! Well, well; I hope the dear boy will not be disappointed in her and live unhappily. [She sighs heavily and resumes knitting.] What a strange thing love is, to be sure. Who could that stranger have been I met in the garden—such a splendid man! So full of good sense! So polite! Oh, perfectly lovely! I could fall in love with such a dear man. [Enter Morris Maitland, D. R. 2 E.] I——Morris!
Mor. [C.] Not yet arrived? H’m! The train must be late. Has the carriage gone?
Anas. Yes, brother! I gave Coriolanus strict orders to attend to it!
Mor. Well, I suppose they will get here in good time. But it’s getting late—past nine o’clock. [At table, L. C.] Sister, you will do all in your power to make Reginald’s wife comfortable and receive her with the respect due the wife of my honored son.
Anas. I will do my part, Morris, provided she does hers. But I’m afraid Reginald has made a poor choice.
Mor. Sister, you are prejudiced. Reginald is an honest, sensible and dutiful son. Although her connections are very aristocratic, more so, in fact, than I could cordially approve, yet, I have faith in him to believe that his choice has been wise, and that she will prove an honor to my son and the pride of his father’s heart.