Kate.
You certainly have a curious method of displaying an ardent attachment.
Charles.
Yes. It’s most unfortunate. But I warned you, dear, didn’t I? I told you all about my absurd bashfulness before we became engaged. You knew that the presence of ladies invariably reduced me to speechlessness before you accepted me.
Kate.
[Sweetly.] Not invariably, my love. What about your prowess with Mrs. Mantrap and Lady Betty Blackleg that you told me about? [Charles blushes crimson.] Didn’t they call you “their agreeable Rattle” at the Ladies’ Club in Town?
Charles.
I—er—get on well enough with—um—er disreputable ladies. But you—er—aren’t disreputable.
Kate.
You are too modest, dear. Some of your conquests are quite respectable. Didn’t I come upon you in the act of kissing Anne, the housemaid, yesterday? And no one can pretend that my housemaids are disreputable!