SIR J. Did he, or did he not, inform you that he had proposed to your daughter?
LADY C. (_reproachfully_) Papa! When you said--
MOLLEN. My dear child, I do not admit even you into my closest confidence. You have done your share, both of you--now leave me to do mine.
SIR J. Will you condescend to inform us--
MOLLEN. You will continue the treatment as before.
SIR J. (_madly_) I am to go on with Margaret--
MOLLEN. Will persistently--sympathise--with Everard.
LADY C. But he has proposed! What am I to do?
MOLLEN. Be flattered--in case of need even affectionate.
LADY C. (_horror stricken_) Affectionate! (_away_ L., _and sitting_.)
MOLLEN. Discreetly--remotely--let us say, in a spiritual and disembodied fashion. You may, if you wish it, hint at Lord Contareen--
SIR J. (_looking up eagerly_) Lord Contareen?
MOLLEN. Ah, didn't you know? He and my daughter--(MARGARET _calls "Joseph" and comes in with the "Times" in her hand_.) Pardon me--there's the girl. I'll send her away--I have to give you further instructions. Wait here--I shan't be a moment.
(_He goes quickly to_ MARGARET _off_ R. 3 E., _and walks her off, talking eagerly to her_.)
SIR J. (_across to_ L. C., _sitting_) (_excitedly._) What is this about Lord Contareen?
LADY C. A foolish creature, whom Papa wishes me to marry.
SIR J. (_aghast_) Marry! What, what! Marry--you!
SIR J. Rosamund! Is there a man in the world whom you can marry--but me!
SIR J. (_kneeling on her_ R.) Rosamund, I love you! I always have loved you! You know it!
SIR J. During this diabolic week there has at least been _you_! You'll marry me, won't you?
LADY C. Oh, Sir Joseph, is this the time--
SIR J. It is, it is! To the devil with all the rest! We'll elope!
SIR J. Yes--and leave Mollentrave to settle matters! Rosamund, tell me!
SIR J. (_wildly_) Not free, not free! But when I am--as I shall be, I swear it! then--?
LADY C. Then--oh, then I shall say "yes" many times!
SIR J. (_rise and raising her_) Rosamund--dearest!
(_He rushes towards her--she stays him, with a gesture._)
(MOLLENTRAVE _bustles in_ R. 3 E., _holding the "Times" in his hand_.)
MOLLEN. (C.) She was bringing you the "Times"--here it is--she assures me it has been warmed and all the microbes boiled out of it! You _are_ so fussy, Balsted! Here! (_He hands him the paper._)