CAPT. G. (Wiping his mouth to hide a smile.) Again? It's entirely
a work of charity on your part.

MRS. H. Ahhh! But I have no right to resent it.-Is she better-
looking than I? Who was it said?-

CAPT. G. No-not that!

MRS. H. I'll be more merciful than you were. Don't you know that
all women are alike?

CAPT. G. (Aside.) Then this is the exception that proves the rule.

MRS. H. All of them! I'll tell you anything you like. I will, upon
my word! They only want the admiration-from anybody-no matter
who-anybody! But there is always one man that they care for more
than any one else in the world, and would sacrifice all the others
to. Oh, do listen! I've kept the Vaynor man trotting after me like a
poodle, and he believes that he is the only man I am interested in.
I'll tell you what he said to me.

CAPT. G. Spare him. (Aside.) I wonder what his version is.

MRS. H. He's been waiting for me to look at him all through
dinner. Shall I do it, and you can see what an idiot he looks?

CAPT. G. "But what imports the nomination of this gentleman?"

MRS. H. Watch! (Sends a glance to the Vaynor man, who tries
vainly to combine a mouthful of ice pudding, a smirk of