Julia. Oh, Mr. Mandeville, are you teaching him to be wicked?
Mandeville. But you will agree with me that a young man cannot make his mother a kind of scribbling diary?
Julia. Still, if he spends his time well, there does not seem to be any reason why he should refuse to say where he dines when he is not at home.
Mandeville. Lady Doldrummond holds such peculiar ideas; she would find immorality in a sofa-cushion. If she were to know that Cyril is coming with me to the dress rehearsal of our new piece!
Julia. It would break her heart. And Lord Doldrummond would be indignant. Mamma says his own morals are so excellent!
Mandeville. Is he an invalid?
Julia. Certainly not. Why do you ask?
Mandeville. Whenever I hear of a charming husband I always think that he must be an invalid. But as for morals, there can be no harm in taking Cyril to a dress rehearsal. If you do not wish him to go, however, I can easily say that the manager does not care to have strangers present. [Pause.] Afterwards there is to be a ball at Miss Sparrow's.
Julia. Is Cyril going there, too?
Mandeville. I believe that he has an invitation, but I will persuade him to refuse it, if you would prefer him to remain at home.