Spratt. Then, I am right. You are a father.
Tick. It’s a lie; I’m not married!
Spratt. Beg pardon; that makes some difference.
Tick. Some! What do you mean by that?
Spratt. You need not be so touchy. This is a free and fair rivalry, isn’t it?
Tick. What are you talking about? Are you an escaped lunatic?
Spratt. You are insulting. (Turns away angrily.)
Tick. (Aside.) What is he up to? There’s something here too deep for me!
Spratt. (Aside.) I’d best conciliate him. (To Tick.) Guardian, perhaps?