‘Septimus, what has happened?’
‘Everything that is disgusting and unpleasant. I have been fool enough to take your advice. I have proposed to the lady selected by you for my wife two days ago, and have been refused with ridicule and contempt.’
‘Impossible, Septimus!’
‘The lady is already engaged.’
‘Impossible, Septimus!’
‘But I have promised to keep her engagement a secret from her mother.’
‘From her mother! Of whom are you speaking, Septimus?’
‘Why, of Blanche Fraser, to be sure.’
‘Blanche! It was her mother we alluded to as our future sister-in-law!’
Tableau!