FANNY. Don't let him mix you up in any of his "ventures." Dear old
George, he's as honest as the day, but if he gets hold of an "idea"
there's always thousands in it for everybody.

VERNON. I'll be careful. [Ernest has left the door open. The
harmonium breaks forth again, together with vocal accompaniment as
before.] What's on downstairs, then--a party?

FANNY. Bennet is holding a prayer meeting.

VERNON. A prayer meeting?

FANNY. One of the younger members of the family has been detected
"telling a deliberate lie." [Vernon is near the door listening, with
his back towards her, or he would see that she is smiling.] Black
sheep, I suppose, to be found in every flock. [Music ceases, Ernest
having arrived with the news of his lordship's return.]

VERNON [returning to the table, having closed the door]. Good old
man, you know, Bennet. All of them! So high-principled! Don't
often get servants like that, nowadays.

FANNY. Seems almost selfish, keeping the whole collection to
ourselves.

VERNON [laughs]. 'Pon my word it does. But what can we do? They'll
never leave us--not one of them.

FANNY. No, I don't believe they ever will.