Capt. G. (Aside.) It only remains to pray for the end of the dinner. (Aloud.) You know what I think of myself.
Mrs. H. As it's the only person in he world you ever do think of, and as I know your mind thoroughly, I do. You want to get it all over and—Oh, I can't keep you back! And you're going—think of it, Pip—to throw me over for another woman. And you swore that all other women were—Pip, my Pip! She can't care for you as I do. Believe me, she can't. Is it any one that I know?
Capt. G. Thank Goodness it isn't. (Aside.) I expected a cyclone, but not an earthquake.
Mrs. H. She can't! Is there anything that I wouldn't do for you—or haven't done? And to think that I should take this trouble over you, knowing what you are! Do you despise me for it?
Capt. G. (Wiping his mouth to hide a smile.) Again? It's entirely a work of charity on your part.
Mrs. H. Ahhh! But I have no right to resent it.—Is she better-looking than I? Who was it said?—
Capt. G. No—not that!
Mrs. H. I'll be more merciful than you were. Don't you know that all women are alike?
Capt. G. (Aside.) Then this is the exception that proves the rule.
Mrs. H. All of them! I'll tell you anything you like. I will, upon my word! They only want the admiration—from anybody—no matter who—anybody! But there is always one man that they care for more than any one else in the world, and would sacrifice all the others to. Oh, do listen! I've kept the Vaynor man trotting after me like a poodle, and he believes that he is the only man I am interested in. I'll tell you what he said to me.