MRS. C. (_suddenly_) There's only one thing to be done! go back at
once to Stow-on-the-Wold, (_WOODCOCK winks, aside_) and there, with
your dear Caroline----
WOOD. (_putting on a very excited manner_) It's too late now; if you
had let me stop at Stow-on-the-Wold, I should have been perfectly
satisfied with my "dear Caroline;" but you would bring me to
London--you know you would, and what's the result? that one dear
Caroline isn't enough for me! I must have a dozen--two dozen--three
dozen "dear Carolines!" an unlimited quantity of "dear Carolines!!"
(_very wildly_)
MRS. C. (_indignantly_) Silence! reprobate!
WOOD. Gently, Carver! gently! I'm not going to be bullied! dash my wig
if I am!
MRS. C. Mr. Woodcock!
WOOD. I can't help it! You've done it, Carver! I love!--I adore the
whole sex! _You're_ a fine woman, Carver!--I love _you!_--Come to my
arms, Carver! (_making a rush open-armed at MRS. CARVER, who, alarmed,
avoids him_)
MRS. C. (_alarmed_) The man's mad! I'm ashamed of you!
WOOD. So am I! But you would bring me to London! you know you would!
(_trying again to throw his arms round her_)
MRS. C. Help!
_Enter MAIDSERVANT, running, R._