DOCTOR. Well, now that your education is completed, and you’ve come home brimful of accomplishments, of course you’ll go into society, and, like other young ladies, pick up a husband?
FANNY (with affected indifference). A husband? Not I, indeed! I’ve never even thought of such a thing! (Aside.) I had no idea I could fib so well! (Aloud.) No, doctor! I’ve too much regard for my own tranquillity, my own peace of mind!
DOCTOR. Hoity-toity! Who’s been putting such nonsense into your head?
FANNY. Why, you yourself never ventured on matrimony!
DOCTOR. No! because I—I— Heigh-ho! (giving a loud sigh).
FANNY (aside, and smiling). The “tiny spark” is gradually getting into a blaze! I did quite right in trying the effect of a little “blowing!” (Aloud.) Besides, I have come to the conclusion, from considerable personal experience, that the male sex in general—I mean, taken in a lump—is no better than it should be.
DOCTOR (laughing). Indeed!
FANNY. I’m sorry to say they’re a false, fickle, perfidious lot! They gain a poor confiding woman’s heart only to trifle with it and trample on it! Poor dear mamma! I am no longer surprised at your little fits of temper—at your discontent with everything and everybody—now that I know the sad circumstances which blighted your youth and cast a gloom over your after-life! (with affected pathos).
DOCTOR (aside). What do I hear? (Aloud, and anxiously.) Has your mother, then, revealed?