THEN. SCENE—Dining-Room in MRS. GRUNDY's House. The Misses GRUNDY and their Mother discovered at Luncheon.
Eldest Miss G. Oh, Mamma, do take us to see Formosa at Drury Lane!
Mrs. Grundy. My dear! Why, it's absolutely shocking! All the papers are ringing with the impropriety! Couldn't possibly go!
Second Miss G. But, Mamma dear, the Boat-Race Scene is so excellent. We might sit at the back of the box, and put our fingers in our ears when you signalled to us.
Mrs. Grundy. Well, as you say, the Boat-Race Scene is excellent, and as for impropriety, we must ignore it.
[Exeunt to get places for Drury Lane.
NOW. Scene as before, Time and situation as before, Company as before.
Eldest Miss G. Oh, Mother darling, do take us to see Formosa at Drury Lane!
Mrs. Grundy. Certainly. I hear the Boat-Race Scene beats the record.
Second Miss G. It is simply magnificent, and the dialogue is so interesting. Twenty years ago they said it was improper! As IBSEN would observe, "Only fancy that!"