MRS. L. Yes, fourth time to-night!
WOOD. (_still dancing after them, and aside to MRS. LARKINGS_) Don't
tell him that, mum--don't tell him that!
MRS. L. Luckily, I'm not jealous! Christopher is constancy itself!
SWANS. (_savagely_) Is he? Ha, ha!
WOOD. (_still dancing after them, and aside to SWANSDOWN_) Hush,
Swansdown, hush!
MRS. L. Yes, any woman has my full permission to wean Christopher's
affections from me, if she can!
WOOD. (_still polking by their side, and aside to MRS. LARKINGS_)
Don't aggravate him, mum--don't aggravate him!
SWANS. Indeed! What if I place in your hands the proof of your
husband's infidelity?
WOOD. (_same play_) Hush, Swansdown!
MRS. L. Ha, ha! I defy you!
WOOD. (_same play_) Don't defy him, mum, don't defy him.
SWANS. Indeed! then that proof shall be in your hands in half an hour.
WOOD. (_same play_) Hush, Swansdown!
SWANS. A letter! a declaration! addressed to my wife by--your husband!
MRS. L. (_suddenly stopping_) Christopher unfaithful! Support me!
(_falling into WOODCOCK'S arms, who quite bewildered goes on dancing
the polka_)
_Enter MRS. CARVER, C. from L._
MRS. C. (_seeing MRS. LARKINGS in WOODCOCK'S arm_) Ah! Support me!
(_falling into WOODCOCK'S other arm, who, still more bewildered,
unconsciously keeps up a polka step_)
_Enter LARKINGS, C. from L._