(In the meantime TWEENY is weeping softly, and the two are not above using her as a weapon.)
CATHERINE. Poor Tweeny, it’s a shame.
AGATHA. After he had almost promised you.
TWEENY (loyally turning on them). No, he never did. He was always honourable as could be. ‘Twas me as was too vulgar. Don’t you dare say a word agin that man.
ERNEST (to LORD LOAM). You’ll get a lot of tit-bits out of this, Daddy.
LORD LOAM. That’s what I was thinking.
ERNEST (plunged in thought). I dare say I shall have to clean out the dam now.
LORD LOAM (heartlessly). I dare say. (His gay old heart makes him again proclaim that he is a chickety chick. He seizes the concertina.)
TREHERNE (eagerly). That’s the proper spirit. (He puts his arm round CATHERINE, and in another moment they are all dancing to Daddy’s music. Never were people happier on an island. A moment’s pause is presently created by the return of CRICHTON, wearing the wonderful robe of which we have already had dark mention. Never has he looked more regal, never perhaps felt so regal. We need not grudge him the one foible of his rule, for it is all coming to an end.)
CRICHTON (graciously, seeing them hesitate). No, no; I am delighted to see you all so happy. Go on.