Enter MRS. LARKINGS, at C. from L.
WOOD. No—no! (holding SWANSDOWN back, who tries to join MRS. LARKINGS)
MRS. L. (R.) Still here, Mr. Swansdown, then I shall claim you for my partner in the polka!
WOOD. (aside to SWANSDOWN) A thousand pardons, madam——
MRS. L. Refuse a lady? Fie—nay, I insist upon it!
(polka music without—SWANSDOWN begins very unwillingly to dance with MRS. LARKINGS—WOODCOCK anxiously following them and dancing a polka steps after them)
MRS. L. (while dancing) Besides, Mr. Larkings is dancing with Mrs. Swansdown!
SWANS. Ah! (polking savagely)
MRS. L. Yes, fourth time to-night!
WOOD. (still dancing after them, and aside to MRS. LARKINGS) Don’t tell him that, mum—don’t tell him that!