had surreptitiously summoned to visit you during your husband's
absence.

FANNY. While I think of it, did he have anything to eat before he
went? I told Ernest to--ask you to see that he had a glass of
champagne and a -

BENNET [waves her back into silence]. Mr. Newte was given
refreshment suitable to his station. [She goes to interrupt. Again
he waves her back.] We are speaking of more important matters. Your
cousin reminded you that you would have to pass the lodge, occupied
by your Aunt Amelia. I state the case correctly?

FANNY. Beautifully!

BENNET. I said nothing at the time, doubting the evidence of my own
ears. The boy, however--where is the boy?--[Ernest is pushed
forward]--has admitted--reluctantly--that he also heard it. [A
pause. The solemnity deepens.] You made use of an expression -

FANNY. Oh, cut it short. I said "damn." [A shudder passes.] I'm
sorry to have frightened you, but if you knew a little more of really
good society, you would know that ladies--quite slap-up ladies--when
they're excited, do--.

MRS. BENNET [interrupting with almost a scream]. She defends it!

BENNET. You will allow ME to be the judge of what a LADY says, even
when she is excited. As for this man, Newte -