JOGTROT. There, there! you hear?
JESSIE. Yes, but (imitating JOGTROT), “the sex is so capricious,” you know—“sipping each flower, changing each hour.” So now, Guardy, I’ll marry Jack, please (bobbing a courtesy; then running to JACK, who takes her in his arms).
JOGTROT (shouting). Stop! that’s all wrong (seeing MRS. TARLETAN and CHIRPER, who enter at C.). You’re just in time, madam! There’s a gigantic, a colossal mistake here!
MRS. T. (smiling). A mistake? Not at all!
JOGTROT. Not at all! Am I to understand, then, madam, that after the deplorable—scandalous scene of this morning—
MRS. T. Which has been fully explained, and will never be repeated!
JACK. Never! I’ve sworn it (looking at JESSIE and pointing to the small bell on the table). No more tempers, no more “little pets.”
JOGTROT (aside). One more chance! (Aloud.) All I desire is my ward’s happiness! happiness!—poor girl! (shrugging his shoulders and giving a deep sigh).
JACK (bristling up sharply.) What’s that?