Mrs. P. Possibly we might, if you desired it very much. But I’m afraid you haven’t counted the cost. You have been a bachelor so long, that you might soon tire of a wife, and consider her an intruder.
Mr. B. I am satisfied it would not be so. Besides it seems as if I had known you before; where can I have met you?
Mrs. P. Why, don’t you remember? I knew you at once—I was formerly Minnie Warren.
Mr. B. Then I claim you by right of an engagement made between us forty-six years ago—when you were twelve and I was fourteen. Have you forgotten it?
Mrs. P. Oh, no, I remember it perfectly well; and how I cried when we left town because you could not go too.
Mr. B. (drawing his chair nearer and placing his arm around her). There is a good deal of change in the age and size of your lover as he was and as he is. Are you not afraid of repenting if you should marry him?
Mrs. P. (archly). Oh, no. It is a good trade to exchange a little Payne for a greater bliss. I am satisfied as far as I am concerned.
Dick (entering, L.). Hallo! What’s all this? I’m afraid I’m intruding. (Looks anxiously at his companions.)
Mr. B. Not at all. Allow me to present you to your future aunt.
Dick (bowing low—aside). There’s my inheritance gone to the dogs, and by my own act. (Aloud to uncle.) This is something new, isn’t it? How did it all come about?