Enter Helen.
Helen. Here’s a pretty piece of work!—what’s the matter now, I wonder?
Lady W. How dare you overhear our domestic dissentions. What business have you to know we were quarrelling, madam?
Helen. Lord love you! if I had heard it, I should not have listened, for its nothing new, you know, when you’re alone; though you both look so loving in public.
Sir W. That’s true—that is lamentably true—but all the world shall know it—I’ll proclaim it; I’ll print it—I’ll advertise it!—She has usurped my rights and my power; and her fate, as every usurper’s should be, shall be public downfall and disgrace.
Helen. What, papa! and won’t you let mamma-in-law rule the roast any longer?
Sir W. No,—I am resolved from this moment no longer to give way to her absurd whims and wishes.
Helen. You are!
Sir W. Absolutely and immovably.
Helen. And you will venture to contradict her?