BOHUN (interposing in his grandest diapason). Excuse me: I claim
that privilege as counsel's fee. May I have the honor---thank you.
(He dances away with Gloria and disappears among the lanterns, leaving
Valentine gasping.)

VALENTINE (recovering his breath). Dolly: may I--- (offering himself
as her partner)?

DOLLY. Nonsense! (Eluding him and running round the table to the
fireplace.) Finch---my Finch! (She pounces on McComas and makes him
dance.)

McCOMAS (protesting). Pray restrain --- really --- (He is borne off
dancing through the window.)

VALENTINE (making a last effort). Mrs. Clandon: may I---

PHILIP (forestalling him). Come, mother. (He seizes his mother and
whirls her away.)

MRS. CLANDON (remonstrating). Phil, Phil--- (She shares McComas's
fate.)

CRAMPTON (following them with senile glee). Ho! ho! He! he! he!
(He goes into the garden chuckling at the fun.)

VALENTINE (collapsing on the ottoman and staring at the waiter). I
might as well be a married man already. (The waiter contemplates the
captured Duellist of Sex with affectionate commiseration, shaking his