But when a--so to speak--mere lifeless thing
Can put such venom into envy's sting,
And stir up evil passions fierce and fell
Of such a depth--

FALK [sympathetically].
And such a length as well--

MISS JAY.
Why then, a man of your commanding brain
Can't fail to see--

FALK.
Oh, yes, that's very plain.
But hitherto I haven't quite made out
The nature, style, and plot of this romance.
It's something quite delightful I've no doubt--
But just a little inkling in advance--

STIVER.
I will abstract, in rapid _resume_,
The leading points.

MISS JAY.
No, I am more _au fait_,
I know the ins and outs--

MRS. HALM.
I know them too!