WOOD. I see!
SWANS. I hit on a very simple plan! I had a regular stock of sudden indispositions to meet every invitation that came in; headaches, rheumatisms, lumbagoes, &c., &c., Mrs. Swansdown grumbled a good deal at first, but she soon got used to it, and——
WOOD. (suddenly grasping SWANSDOWN’S hand, and shaking it violently) Thank you, Swansdown! I’m obliged to you, Swansdown! good night, Swansdown. (stopping him again) One moment—when you married Mrs. Swansdown, had she got a Carver?
SWANS. A what?
WOOD. A Carver—I mean, a mother?
SWANS. No!
WOOD. Never mind! Good night, Swansdown! Go home to bed, Swansdown!
Exit SWANSDOWN, L.
I’ll try it! I will, by Jove! there’s that horrible fancy dress ball to-morrow night! what “sudden indisposition” shall I have—I’ve had the measles——