MRS. P. I congratulate you, Mr. Larkspur.
EDWIN. Then you’ve heard I’m married? Well I am. I’m married to the nicest girl in England; but ten days at Dumpington are more than flesh can stand. I got intolerably tired of its monotony, and for a little change I thought I would make love to you.
MRS. P. What, for a little change!
EDWIN. No other reason I assure you. Fortunately, Ethel thought she’d occupy the time in making love to Captain Plunger. I didn’t like her making love to him, and so I thought she mightn’t like my making love to you, and I’m not going to do it any more. I further beg to state that Mrs. Larkspur is not on the look out for a husband, that in my opinion she has not gone off at all, and that I don’t believe she ever angled after anyone.
ETHEL. (running out) You dear old darling, you’re the greatest love that is or ever was or ever will be. I don’t care for anyone but you. I only flirted to cure you. I beg your pardon, and I’ll never do so any more; and you’ll forgive me, won’t you? (on her knees)
EDWIN. Ethel, are you on the look-out for a husband?
ETHEL. Edwin, did you never see a girl three times without proposing to her?
EDWIN. Did you angle after Captain Plunger?
ETHEL. Did you say that if you’d thought I should accept you, you should never have proposed to me?
EDWIN. I didn’t. You’ve been told a lot of wicked stories. (raising her)