STIVER.
Oh, in a humble way.
MISS JAY [to the ladies].
His nature is romantic.
MRS. HALM.
Yes, we know it.
STIVER.
Not now; it's ages since I turned a rhyme.
FALK.
Yes varnish and romance go off with time.
But in the old days—?
STIVER.
Well, you see, 'twas when
I was in love.
FALK.
Is that time over, then?
Have you slept off the sweet intoxication?
STIVER.
I'm now engaged—I hold official station—
That's better than in love, I apprehend!
FALK.
Quite so! You're in the right my good old friend.
The worst is past—vous voila bien avance—
Promoted from mere lover to fiance.
STIVER [with a smile of complacent recollection].
It's strange to think of it—upon my word,
I half suspect my memory of lying—
[Turns to FALK.
But seven years ago—it sounds absurd!—
I wasted office hours in versifying.