“But, why, why?”
“Because it is proper to let the bride accept the invitations of relatives, friends, and strangers.”
“But I didn’t marry in order that my wife should dance with everybody except myself!”
“Do you wish to insinuate, son-in-law, that you can instruct me concerning the usages of polite society? You are beginning well.”
“I assure you, mother-in-law, that I had no intention——”
“That will do. I accept your excuses. We now come to a more delicate matter, to—but, of course, you must understand me.”
“I confess that I do not at all.”
“Listen, son-in-law. Some newly married young men, on their wedding-night, when the ball is at its gayest, take the liberty of carrying off their wives, and disappearing with them about twelve o’clock.”
“And you object to that?”
“Fie, sir, fie! If you were to be guilty of such a thing, I would make your wife sue for a divorce the day after your marriage.”