MRS. L. So I took the express train, and here I am! I suppose she was
dreadfully agitated, poor thing?
WOOD. (_aside_) That's _two_ poor things! (_aloud_) Agitated! not she;
she was all animation--all joy--all----
MRS. L. Yes, yes! she naturally would be _at first_, poor thing.
WOOD. (_aside_) Another "poor thing," and Mrs. Larkings and I shall
have a row.
MRS. L. Well, as I have unluckily arrived too late to witness the
ceremony--I'd have given anything to have seen you--ha, ha! (_laughing
immoderately_) You don't mind my laughing, do you?
WOOD. Not at all; it's rather pleasant than otherwise!
MRS. L. All I can do is to give the bride and bridegroom my blessing,
and go back by the next train to London!
WOOD. And to Larkings! By-the-bye, how is your Christopher? I hope
your Christopher is still the same fond, indulgent Christopher you've
always found your Christopher.
MRS. L. (_enthusiastically_) He's a darling! we are happy as the day
is long! and no wonder--we married for love; our tastes, our opinions
are the same, and what is still more important, we are nearly the same
age--Christopher is twenty-four; I am twenty-two! now between you and
Caroline the gap is much wider.
WOOD. The what?
MRS. L. The gap! _she_ is under twenty, while you are--how old shall
we say? (_smiling_)
WOOD. (_very quietly_) Thirty-nine!
MRS. L. Oh, that's the age you've decided on, eh? well, if you wish
it, we'll say thirty-nine! (_smiling again_) I'd better tell
Christopher in case he might let the cat out of the bag! (_smiling_)
WOOD. (_aside_) Pleasant creature! very! (_aloud_) Yes, Mrs.
Larkings--and _at_ thirty-nine I think it time for a man to marry.