WOOD. Do I? (shouting) I’m delighted! enchanted! There—is that better?
MRS. W. (C.) Yes, much better. (suddenly) I see how it is—this arrangement of mamma’s may have interfered with some plan or your own—perhaps you intended taking us to Switzerland?
WOOD. (quickly) No, no!
MRS. C. (knowingly, R.) No, my dear; if Marmy had taken us anywhere it would have been to Italy.
WOOD. (still more quickly, L.) No, no, no; in short, I wish it to be distinctly understood, that having already paid two visits to the——
MRS. C. (interrupting) Yes, yes; never mind, Marmy, if you are a good boy, you shall take us to Italy next year! We’ll climb up Mount Vesuvius together, Marmy—to the very top, Marmy! (with enthusiasm)
WOOD. (aside, after a savage look at her) Only let me once get her there, and I’ll plunge her headforemost into the crater.
MRS. C. In the meantime let us only think of London.
MRS. W. Yes, dear; delightful London! Remember, this is my first visit to the Metropolis! You have been there, I suppose? (to WOODCOCK)
WOOD. (forgetting himself) Ha, ha! I should rather think I have—I mean, I’ve passed through it once or twice.