GLORIA. No. I will have no such thing, even in jest. When I need a
blessing, I shall ask my mother's.

CRAMPTON (to Gloria, with deep disappointment). Am I to understand
that you have engaged yourself to this young gentleman?

GLORIA (resolutely). Yes. Do you intend to be our friend or---

DOLLY (interposing). ---or our father?

CRAMPTON. I should like to be both, my child. But surely---! Mr.
Valentine: I appeal to your sense of honor.

VALENTINE. You're quite right. It's perfect madness. If we go out
to dance together I shall have to borrow five shillings from her for a
ticket. Gloria: don't be rash: you're throwing yourself away. I'd much
better clear straight out of this, and never see any of you again. I
shan't commit suicide: I shan't even be unhappy. It'll be a relief to
me: I---I'm frightened, I'm positively frightened; and that's the plain
truth.

GLORIA (determinedly). You shall not go.

VALENTINE (quailing). No, dearest: of course not. But--oh, will
somebody only talk sense for a moment and bring us all to reason! I
can't. Where's Bohun? Bohun's the man. Phil: go and summon Bohun---

PHILIP. From the vastly deep. I go. (He makes his bat quiver in
the air and darts away through the window.)