Mrs. V. T. You!

Stuart. Exactly! Aren’t you ashamed?

[Comes out c.

Mrs. V. T. Of being defeated? Yes. But don’t be too triumphant. You didn’t win single-handed.

Stuart. I certainly did not have much assistance, except from Mrs. Van Tromp.

Mrs. V. T. On the contrary, you had the best assistance in the world. I ought to have known better than bet against so powerful a coalition as Mr. Stuart and Cupid. I only hope my behaviour has made me odious to you!

[Crosses petulantly to r.

Stuart. On the contrary, I’m rather fond of real deviltry! So, if agreeable, we’ll settle the stakes at once.

Mrs. V. T. I throw myself on your mercy.

Stuart. And what mercy would you have shown me, had I lost?