BARBARA. ‘Young gentlemen, how disgraceful!’ She joins in.
COLONEL. ‘Harum-scarums!’
KARL. ‘Does he know about you two?’
BILLY. ‘He often forgets. I’ll tell him again. Grandfather, Barbara and I have something to say to you. It’s this.’ He puts his arm round Barbara.
COLONEL, smiling, ‘I know—I know. There’s nothing like it. I’m very glad, Barbara.’
BARBARA. ‘You see, dear, I’ve loved Billy boy since the days when he tried to catch the bull-trout with a string and a bent pin, and I held on to his pinafore to prevent his tumbling in. We used to play at school at marrying and giving in marriage, and the girl who was my bridegroom had always to take the name of Billy. “Do you, woman, take this man Billy——” the clergyman in skirts began, and before I could answer diffidently, some other girl was sure to shout, “I should rather think she does.”’
COLONEL, in high good humour, ‘Don’t forget the ring, Billy. You know, when I was married I think I couldn’t find the ring!’
KARL. ‘Were you married here, sir?’
COLONEL. ‘Yes, at the village church.’
BILLY. ‘So were my father and mother.’