Oh, you're an ass! What have I been doing for the past twenty-four hours? Begging her to marry me. What have you been doing? Preventing it. Why did I postpone sailing for a week? Why did I insist upon the family party? [Comes nearer to John.] You're an idiot.
Judge
[pinching John]
Stand for it, John. You've got to stand for it. Tell him you love him like a brother ... in-law.
John
[controls himself]
Well, I ... I—you have my consent, Doctor Hamilton, I'm sure.
Ernest
Your consent! What's that got to do with it? [They all turn toward Helen. Ernest steps between them.] Now wait!... This morning you tried bullying. Did it work? This afternoon bluffing. Think that will work? [Hand on Helen's shoulder.] You can't frighten her into marriage. I've tried that myself. We've got to appeal to some higher motive than self-interest or superstition with this woman, racial motives, unselfish motives. [With force.] But don't talk to me about her being "immoral." I won't stand for it. If you want her to marry, prove the morality of marriage.
Theodore