[Mrs. W. passes letter to Amy.
Dennis. There! That’s the way in this life. I’ll be bound you never wanted to see what my writing was like.
Rose. Well, did you ever want to see Amy’s hand?
Steven. Hers is too small to make it worth while.
Amy (sweetly). Is your tea sweet enough, Steven?
Dennis. Why waste your sweetness on the desert air?
Steven. Thank you, Dennis, but I am not a deserted heir, and don’t suppose I shall be, till The Right Honourable George Augustus Guelph Dunstan, Earl of Ferrol and Staunton, puts in his appearance. Till then, Mrs. Amy Sherman Micawber will never desert her Steven.
Helen. Really, I think it is very unkind to say all these things before Lord Ferrol arrives. If you begin like this over the “cheerful and uninebriating teacup,” with a good dinner not far distant, what will you say when you have just dragged yourself out of bed to breakfast?
Dennis (fiercely). The talking point will be passed. We shall act! Bul-lud!!!
George (rising and setting teacup on tea-table). So let it be understood, if you girls give us the cold shoulder when his lordship arrives, we will not be responsible for the consequences.