Representative Plays by American Dramatists: 1856-1911: The New York Idea

by Langdon Elwyn Mitchell

Vida. Dear Mr. Karslake, you'll have to change your hour.

John. Sorry, I'm not able to.

Cynthia. I can't come later for I'm to be married.

John. It's not as bad as that with me, but I am to be sold up—Sheriff, you know. Can't come later than eleven.

Vida. [To Cynthia.] Any hour but eleven, dear.

Cynthia. [Perfectly regardless of Vida, and ready to vex John if possible.] Mrs. Phillimore, I shall call on you at eleven—to see Cynthia K. I thank you for the invitation. Good-afternoon.

Vida. [Aside to John, crossing to speak quietly to him.] It's mere bravado; she won't come.

John. You don't know her.

There is a pause and general embarrassment. Sir Wilfrid uses his eye-glass. John angry. Cynthia triumphant. Matthew embarrassed. Vida irritated. Philip puzzled. Everybody is at odds.