GENTLEMAN. Exactly! Six hours ago I was in Dartmoor Prison!
LADY. Dartmoor! (Aside.) He confesses it!
GENTLEMAN (smiling). Not a very attractive residence. I would gladly have left it before, but, unfortunately, I was detained!
LADY. Detained!
GENTLEMAN (smiling). I may say chained to it—by my confounded profession!
LADY (aside). He calls it a profession!
GENTLEMAN. There’s no saying how long the Home Secretary might have kept me there; but I couldn’t stand it any longer, so I managed to make my escape, and now I’m free once more!
LADY (suddenly starting up with a scream). Stop, sir! Don’t say any more! Have pity on me, for mercy’s sake! (falling on her knees and clasping her hands).
GENTLEMAN (astounded). My dear madam—