Bailiff’s Daughter.—“I confess I don’t see the necessity.”
True Love (morosely).—“You’re the sort of woman men won’t leave in undisturbed spinsterhood; they’ll keep on badgering you.”
Bailiff’s Daughter.—“Oh, I don’t mind the badgering of a number of men; it’s rather nice. It’s the one badger I find obnoxious.”
True Love (impatiently).—“That’s just the perversity of things. I could put a stop to the protestations of the many; I should like nothing better—but the pertinacity of the one! Ah, well! I can’t drop that without putting an end to my existence.”
Bailiff’s Daughter (politely).—“I shouldn’t think of suggesting anything so extreme.”
True Love (quoting).—“‘Mrs. Hauksbee proceeded to take the conceit out of Pluffles as you remove the ribs of an umbrella before re-covering.’ However, you couldn’t ask me anything seriously that I wouldn’t do, dear Mistress Perversity.”
Bailiff’s Daughter (yielding a point).—“I’ll put that boldly to the proof. Say you don’t love me!”
True Love (seizing his advantage).—“I don’t! It’s imbecile and besotted devotion! Tell me, when may I come to take you away?”
Bailiff’s Daughter (sighing).—“It’s like asking me to leave Heaven.”
