Collins comes in through the tower, in alderman’s robes.  The ladies who are standing sit down hastily, and look as unconcerned as possible.

Collins.  Sorry to hurry you, my lord; but the Church has been full this hour past; and the organist has played all the wedding music in Lohengrin three times over.

The general.  The very man we want.  Alfred:  I’m not equal to this crisis.  You are not equal to it.  The Army has failed.  The Church has failed.  I shall put aside all idle social distinctions and appeal to the Municipality.

Mrs Bridgenorth.  Do, Boxer.  He is sure to get us out of this difficulty.

Collins, a little puzzled, comes forward affably to Hotchkiss’s left.

Hotchkiss [rising, impressed by the aldermanic gown] Ive not had the pleasure.  Will you introduce me?

Collins [confidentially] All right, sir.  Only the greengrocer, sir, in charge of the wedding breakfast.  Mr Alderman Collins, sir, when I’m in my gown.

Hotchkiss [staggered] Very pleased indeed [he sits down again].

The bishop.  Personally I value the counsel of my old friend, Mr Alderman Collins, very highly.  If Edith and Cecil will allow him—­

Edith.  Collins has known me from my childhood:  I’m sure he will agree with me.

Collins.  Yes, miss:  you may depend on me for that.  Might I ask what the difficulty is?

Edith.  Simply this.  Do you expect me to get married in the existing state of the law?

Sykes [rising and coming to Collin’s left elbow] I put it to you as a sensible man:  is it any worse for her than for me?

Reginald [leaving his place and thrusting himself between Collins and Sykes, who returns to his chair] Thats not the point.  Let this be understood, Mr Collins.  It’s not the man who is backing out:  it’s the woman. [He posts himself on the hearth].

Lesbia.  We do not admit that, Collins.  The women are perfectly ready to make a reasonable arrangement.

Leo.  With both men.

The general.  The case is now before you, Mr Collins.  And I put it to you as one man to another:  did you ever hear such crazy nonsense?

Mrs Bridgenorth.  The world must go on, mustnt it, Collins?

Collins [snatching at this, the first intelligible proposition he has heard] Oh, the world will go on, maam dont you be afraid of that.  It aint so easy to stop it as the earnest kind of people think.

Edith.  I knew you would agree with me, Collins.  Thank you.

Hotchkiss.  Have you the least idea of what they are talking about, Mr Alderman?