(Enter Torrington)
Hastings
Ah, Mr. Torrington, you come just in time, and we await you eagerly.
Torrington I meet the company with pleasure, reunited on a joyful day in one place. I believe my presence won't displease. The future has great attractions. Your daughter was only lacking a husband—despite all her attractions, she was incomplete. But, now, behold the well made man love has given her. Now, she has nothing to desire.
McNaughten Except to be a widow, and see me buried. That is the finishing touch on the happiness of a woman.
Flavella
Such ideas never entered my mind.
Torrington (laughing uneasily) The gentleman says what he thinks. Your beauty charms him as much as your wit. I promise you, he's an honest man. I vouch for him.
McNaughten
You're joking, sir.
Torrington
And, in his headstrong character you find frankness of heart.
McNaughten (genially) I will be even with you. It's you to whom virtues are social conventions. I would praise you equally, if I had your facility with words.
Torrington
If, as I believe, we are all agreed, we can proceed.