SIR W.: Oh! It's an easy matter for two young people to kiss again with
tears. 'Twill be a different matter between your aunt and me. Florence
will have no chance, however much she may wish it. The time has come
for me to put down my foot at last. (_Exit, talking and gesticulating
angrily._)
(_After the exit of SIR WILLIAM, JEM and KITTY look up slowly at one
another. Their eyes meet. They turn away._)
JEM: (_much embarrassed_): Kitty!
KITTY: Jem!
JEM: This is painful! In fact, it's worse than wicked--it's vulgar!
KITTY (_gently_): It's simply dreadful to see two people behaving in
such a way.
JEM: And at their time of life!
KITTY: That's the awful part of it!
JEM: I wonder how they can do it!
KITTY (_archly, yet on the verge of tears_): So do I!
(_At the last words they turn; their eyes meet. KITTY falters. JEM
falters. After a moment they fall into one another's arms._)
[Illustration: KITTY: "SPLENDID! I NEVER SAW ANYTHING SO WELL DONE!"