GERALD. Oh, well, so I do. You see I only state that I "admire" her. All the same I feel I'm sort of bound to her, ... you see how I'm fixed. I should much prefer, of course....
JAMES. To a good man life should be one long sacrifice.
ROSAMUND [_steadying herself and approaching James_]. Jim, my sacrifice is over. It was a terrible ordeal, and nothing but a strict sense of duty could have supported me through such a trying crisis. I am yours. Lead me to the altar. I trust Gerald may be happy with this person named Madge.
JAMES. The flame of your love has not faltered?
JAMES. Well, if my own particular flame hadn't been fairly robust, the recent draughts might have knocked it about a bit. You have no more sacrifices in immediate view?... [_She looks at him in a certain marvelous way, and he suddenly swoops down and kisses her._] To the altar! March! Dash; we shall want another witness.
ROSAMUND. You're sure it wouldn't be too much for your feelings?
GERALD. I should enjoy it.... I mean I shan't mind very much. Let us therefore start. If we're too soon you can watch the process at work on others, and learn how to comport yourselves. By the way, honeymoon?
JAMES. Paris. Charing Cross 1:30. Dine at Dover.
GERALD. Then you shall eat that lunch I have ordered at the Savoy.
ROSAMUND. Er--talking of lunch, as I'm hostess here, perhaps I should ask you men if you'd like a drink.
JAMES AND GERALD [_looking hopefully at each other_]. Well, yes.
ROSAMUND. I have some beautiful lemonade.
JAMES AND GERALD [_still looking at each other, but with a different expression_]. Oh, that will be delightful! [_Lemonade and glasses produced._]
ROSAMUND [_a little sinister_]. And I--to Madge.
JAMES. And I--to a good woman--Mrs. Pet [_looking at her fixedly_]. All men like a good woman, but she shouldn't be too good--it's a strain on the system. [_General consumption of lemonade, the men bravely swallowing it down, Rosamund rests her head on James's shoulder._]
ROSAMUND. It occurs to me, Gerald, you only ordered lunch for two at the Savoy.
GERALD. Well, that's right. By that time you and James, if I may call him so, will be one, and me makes two.
Copyright, 1913, by Sidgwick & Jackson, Ltd. All rights reserved.