lord goring. Please don’t, Miss Mabel. I have something very particular to say to you.
mabel chiltern. [Rapturously.] Oh! is it a proposal?
lord goring. [Somewhat taken aback.] Well, yes, it is—I am bound to say it is.
mabel chiltern. [With a sigh of pleasure.] I am so glad. That makes the second to-day.
lord goring. [Indignantly.] The second to-day? What conceited ass has been impertinent enough to dare to propose to you before I had proposed to you?
mabel chiltern. Tommy Trafford, of course. It is one of Tommy’s days for proposing. He always proposes on Tuesdays and Thursdays, during the Season.
lord goring. You didn’t accept him, I hope?
mabel chiltern. I make it a rule never to accept Tommy. That is why he goes on proposing. Of course, as you didn’t turn up this morning, I very nearly said yes. It would have been an excellent lesson both for him and for you if I had. It would have taught you both better manners.
lord goring. Oh! bother Tommy Trafford. Tommy is a silly little ass. I love you.
mabel chiltern. I know. And I think you might have mentioned it before. I am sure I have given you heaps of opportunities.