MR. BEN DIXON.
(Virtuously). No, Bella, I do not! No consideration of consequence to myself shall induce me to deny it. I am proud—as anyone might be—to be the husband of this noble lady! (Crosses over to Mrs. Wheedles' side.)
MRS. BEN DIXON.
Oh, well you've been pretty modest about it of late. And do you deny that eighteen months ago you married me?
MR. BEN DIXON.
(More in sorrow than in anger.) No, Bella, much as I may regret it—I do not, I will not deny the truth.
MRS. WHEEDLES. Why did you do it, Henery?
MR. BEN DIXON.
It was wrong of me. I own it. We are none of us perfect. The woman tempted me, and I fell.