Edith [with quick suspicion] His objection?

Sykes.  Sinjon:  you have no right to say that.  I expressly said that I’m ready to go through with it.

Edith.  Cecil:  do you mean to say that you have been raising difficulties about our marriage?

Sykes.  I raise no difficulty.  But I do beg you to be careful what you say about people.  You must remember, my dear, that when we are married I shall be responsible for everything you say.  Only last week you said on a public platform that Slattox and Chinnery were scoundrels.  They could have got a thousand pounds damages apiece from me for that if we’d been married at the time.

Edith [austerely] I never said anything of the sort.  I never stoop to mere vituperation:  what would my girls say of me if I did?  I chose my words most carefully.  I said they were tyrants, liars, and thieves; and so they are.  Slattox is even worse.

Hotchkiss.  I’m afraid that would be at least five thousand pounds.

Sykes.  If it were only myself, I shouldnt care.  But my mother and sisters!  Ive no right to sacrifice them.

Edith.  You neednt be alarmed.  I’m not going to be married.

All the rest. Not!

Sykes [in consternation] Edith!  Are you throwing me over?

Edith.  How can I? you have been beforehand with me.

Sykes.  On my honor, no.  All I said was that I didnt know the law when I asked you to be my wife.

Edith.  And you wouldnt have asked me if you had.  Is that it?

Sykes.  No.  I should have asked you for my sake be a little more careful—­not to ruin me uselessly.

Edith.  You think the truth useless?

Hotchkiss.  Much worse than useless, I assure you.  Frequently most mischievous.

Edith.  Sinjon:  hold your tongue.  You are a chatterbox and a fool!

Mrs Bridgenorth } [shocked] { Edith! 
The bishop } { My love!

Hotchkiss [mildly] I shall not take an action, Cecil.

Edith [to Hotchkiss] Sorry; but you are old enough to know better. [To the others] And now since there is to be no wedding, we had better get back to our work.  Mamma:  will you tell Collins to cut up the wedding cake into thirty-three pieces for the club girls?  My not being married is no reason why they should be disappointed. [She turns to go].

Hotchkiss [gallantly] If youll allow me to take Cecil’s place,
Miss Bridgenorth—­

Leo.  Sinjon!

Hotchkiss.  Oh, I forgot.  I beg your pardon. [To Edith, apologetically] A prior engagement.

Edith.  What!  You and Leo!  I thought so.  Well, hadnt you two better get married at once?  I dont approve of long engagements.  The breakfast’s ready:  the cake’s ready:  everything’s ready.  I’ll lend Leo my veil and things.