Bul. They are. I am his clerk, and at my broken-hearted sister’s suit, cold calculating man of war, I serve you with this writ!
[Bulstrode presents writ, which Caroline, kneeling at Tom’s feet, reaches and hands to him, kissing his hand as she places the writ in it.
Tom (looking at writ). Breach of promise! (Wildly.) Don’t bring any actions, don’t resort to any violent measures. You say I’m engaged to you. I dare say I am. If you said I was engaged to your mother I’d dare say it too. I’ve no idea who I am, or what I am, or where I am, or what I am saying or doing, but you are very pretty, and you seem fond of me. I’ve no objection. I think I should rather like it: at least—I’ll try!
Car. (flinging herself into his arms). My poet-soldier, and my minstrel boy!
[Mr. Effingham, Bulstrode, and Mrs. Effingham group themselves about Caroline and Tom.
ACT III.
Scene.—A drawing-room, shabbily furnished, in Mr. Effingham’s house. Cobb is discovered smoking a pipe on balcony with Caroline. The Effingham family is discovered grouped:—Mrs. Effingham seated; old Effingham leaning on her chair, with his arm round her neck, and Bulstrode standing moodily behind. As curtain rises Caroline enters from balcony, and throws herself at her mother’s feet.
Mrs. Eff. Where is your poet-lover, Caroline?