Curph. Before I go, let me say this: that I have no intention of giving up your daughter until she gives up me. I am in a position to marry and support her, and if you refuse your consent, you will only reduce us to the painful necessity of doing without it.
[Althea intimates her entire acquiescence in this ultimatum.
Mrs. Toov. We will never consent to give our daughter to a notorious music-hall singer—never!
Curph. That objection is easily met. I am no longer a music-hall singer. I have left the profession for ever; not that I consider it any disgrace to belong to it, but I prefer to live by my pen in future. (To Mr. T.) I appeal to you, Sir. You had no objection before; what can you have now?
[Mr. T. opens his lips inaudibly.
"Well, Ma'am, this is the last place I expected to find you in!"
Mrs. Toov. Tell him, Pa, that in the circle in which we move, the remotest connection with—with a music-hall would be justly considered as an indelible disgrace.
Charles (sotto voce). No, hang it, Uncle! It's no business of mine, and I'm not going to shove my oar in; but still you know as well as I do that you can't decently take that line, whatever Aunt may do!
Mrs. Toov. I heard you, Charles. So, Pa, there is something you have been hiding from me? I felt positive there was some mystery about that box. Now I will know it. Althea, leave us!