Car. (smiling back) I suppose you are the alternative?
Pil. (moves to top of table near her) Precisely. I ask you to be—er—to be my wife.
Car. (smiles) Thanks! (stops work)
Pil. I am no longer young, but my health is good, with the exception of a little periodic gout. My temper, if not invariably equable, is what a long succession of curates has made it; and as to worldly considerations, without being a rich man, my position is an independent one.
Car. It ought to be.
Pil. I beg your pardon?
Car. You say you don't speak without consideration. Have you considered what your sister would say?
Pil. (moves round to L.) It is a point to which I have devoted very exhaustive attention. At first she might not welcome the idea with—er—absolute enthusiasm. (sits L.)
Car. No, she might not. Have you also considered what the world would say?
Pil. The world?