MRS. L. No, of course you didn’t! ha, ha, ha! but tell me how is—how is Mrs. Woodcock? Ha, ha, ha!
WOOD. (aside) Mrs. Larkings is gradually becoming unpleasant.
MRS. L. Of course I couldn’t allow the dear girl to be married without wishing her joy, poor thing.
WOOD. (aside) What does she mean by “poor thing?”
MRS. L. So I took the express train, and here I am! I suppose she was dreadfully agitated, poor thing?
WOOD. (aside) That’s two poor things! (aloud) Agitated! not she; she was all animation—all joy—all——
MRS. L. Yes, yes! she naturally would be at first, poor thing.
WOOD. (aside) Another “poor thing,” and Mrs. Larkings and I shall have a row.
MRS. L. Well, as I have unluckily arrived too late to witness the ceremony—I’d have given anything to have seen you—ha, ha! (laughing immoderately) You don’t mind my laughing, do you?
WOOD. Not at all; it’s rather pleasant than otherwise!