[Runs hastily out at L. H.
(During the above scene COSEY occasionally shows his head above the back of the couch and withdraws it again.)
ARTH. A parrot cage under my arm all the way to the Sandwich Islands! (Shouting after LADY F.) Stop! madam, Lady Fritterly, don’t hurry yourself; take your own time—one hour, two hours, six weeks, any time you like. Wheugh! here’s a pretty state of affairs; catch me running off with another man’s couple of kittens—I mean wives—no, wife again! (thrusting both hands into his trousers-pockets and walking violently to and fro, then flings himself into a chair at L. SIR FELIX hurries down and drops into a chair at R. COLONEL rolls off the end of couch enveloped in antimacassars, and seats himself in chair at C. All pull out their white pocket-handkerchiefs, and indulge in extravagant business, etc.).
ARTH. (not seeing them). Poor Sir Felix!—a pretty kettle of fish he’s made of it! I’ve been too fascinating!
SIR F. (coming hurriedly down). Don’t talk nonsense, sir! But of course this is all a joke! Why don’t you say it’s all a joke?
ARTH. It’s anything but a joke for me!—all the way to the Sandwich Isles with a parrot cage under my arm!—how would you like it?
SIR F. Pshaw! you carried the thing too far, sir!—a devilish deal too far!
ARTH. Come, I like that! I only did what you told me!—except that I didn’t tear my hair out by handfuls!
COL. (counting his pulse). A hundred and twenty at the very least! (tossing a couple of pills into his mouth—then to VALLANCE). Now, sir, what do you mean by making love to Lady Fritterly, and proposing an elopement to her? It’s scandalous, sir!