Curph. Yes, I think I do. I suppose it's natural, and yet—don't think too hardly of me if you can help it. I might have chosen a higher walk than I did, but at least I've kept out of the mire, and now at last I see my way to——But that wouldn't interest you. There, I had better say good-bye: you won't refuse to give me your hand at parting, will you?
[As he takes her hand, Mrs. Toovey enters with Charles, and stands transfixed.
Mrs. Toovey. Althea, don't tell me I'm too late! You have not accepted that man?
Curph. (releasing Althea's hand). On the contrary, I have just had my dismissal, Mrs. Toovey; we were merely saying good-bye.
Mrs. Toov. Thank Heaven! But I knew I could trust my daughter to detect instinctively the designing serpent in wolf's clothing—(correcting herself angrily)—the sheep in dove's plumage, I should say.
Charles (sotto voce). Similes are cheap to-day!
Mrs. Toov. (more angrily still). Well, I know what I mean, and so does he! (Mr. Toovey enters.) And how a person with Mr. Curphew's antecedents could ever have the face to thrust himself into such a household as this——
Mr. Toov. (coming forward). Cornelia, my love! Such language to our dear young friend! Surely, surely, there must be some sad mistake!
Mrs. Toov. There has been indeed, Pa, and so you will say when you hear who and what he really is!
Curph. Mr. Toovey has been quite aware of it for the last week, and was kind enough to say he saw no insuperable objection.