SIR F. Pshaw! Now let’s understand each other. Myrtle insists on your giving her a convincing proof of energy—pluck—determination—and all that sort of thing! You’re not limited as to the direction they may take?
ARTH. Not at all!
SIR F. Good—and your uncle refuses his consent to your marriage unless he sees some urgent necessity for it?
ARTH. Exactly!
SIR F. Then the same medicine will do for both! Old Cosey has a great regard for propriety and morality, and all that sort of thing—hasn’t he?
ARTH. Intense!
SIR F. Then we’ll give him such a shock on that score, he’ll think that his opposition to your wishes has driven you frantic with despair!
ARTH. But Myrtle?
SIR F. Has only to imagine there’s a chance of your turning out a “naughty, good-for-nothing reprobate,” and she’ll be only too glad to reclaim her lost sheep at once!