GEORGE. I see no prospect of Dinah's marriage taking place for many years.
GEORGE (not understanding for the moment). You said. . . . ? I see. Now, Olivia, let us have this perfectly clear. You apparently insist on treating my--er--proposal as serious.
OLIVIA (surprised). Wasn't it serious? Were you trifling with me?
GEORGE. You know quite well what I mean. You treat it as an ordinary proposal from a man to a woman who have never been more than acquaintances before. Very well then. Will you tell me what you propose to do, if you decide to--ah--refuse me? You do not suggest that we should go on living together--unmarried?
OLIVIA (shocked). Of course not, George! What would the County--I mean Heaven--I mean the Law--I mean, of _course_ not! Besides, it's so unnecessary. If I decide to accept you, of _course_ I shall marry you.
GEORGE. Quite so. And if you--ah--decide to refuse me? What will you do?
OLIVIA. Just that, George. I shall stay here--just as before. I like this house. It wants a little re-decorating perhaps, but I do like it, George. . . . Yes, I shall be quite happy here.
GEORGE. I see. You will continue to live down here--in spite of what you said just now about the immorality of it.
OLIVIA (surprised). But there's nothing immoral in a widow living alone in a big country house, with perhaps the niece of a friend of hers staying with her, just to keep her company.
GEORGE (sarcastic). And what shall _I_ be doing, when you've so very kindly taken possession of my house for me?
OLIVIA. I don't know, George. Travelling, I expect. You could come down sometimes with a chaperone. I suppose there would be nothing wrong in that.
GEORGE (indignant). Thank you! And what if I refuse to be turned out of my house?
OLIVIA. Then, seeing that we can't _both_ be in it, it looks as though you'd have to turn _me_ out. (Casually) I suppose there are legal ways of doing these things. You'd have to consult your solicitor again.
OLIVIA. Well, you couldn't _throw_ me out, could you? You'd have to get an injunction against me--or prosecute me for trespass--or something. It would make an awfully unusual case, wouldn't it? The papers would be full of it.
OLIVIA (dreamily). Widow of well-known ex-convict takes possession of J.P.'s house. Popular country gentleman denied entrance to his own home. Doomed to travel.