CRUM. Yes, Anastasia Mouser—and that charge was, that he was “too attentive by half.” It almost broke his heart. Didn’t it, Mouser?
MOUS. (affecting pathos) As near as a toucher!
CRUM. But suddenly a smile lighted up his benevolent countenance—(MOUSER smiles)—and he said to me, “Crummy, I’ve an idea.” Didn’t you, Mouser?
MOUS. Yes, I distinctly said, “Crummy, I’ve an idea.”
BET. I’ll swear to it. I heard him.
MRS. M. (suddenly) I see it all.
MOUS. (aside) That’s lucky. I’m damned if I do.
CRUM. And I determined to teach you this lesson—that the wife, who could complain of too much attention from a husband, could only be cured of her error by being led to suspect that that affection was bestowed on another. (gets round behind to R.)
MOUS. Exactly.
MRS. M. Then you have succeeded—for though, Marmaduke, you may love me a thousand times better than ever—I’ll never complain again. (embracing MOUSER)