HER HUSBAND [shaken] Apjohn: play fair. Don't abuse your
intellectual gifts. Do you really mean that I am making a fool of
myself?

HE [earnestly] Believe me, you are. I assure you, on my honor as
a gentleman, that I have never had the slightest feeling for Mrs
Bompas beyond the ordinary esteem and regard of a pleasant
acquaintance.

HER HUSBAND [shortly, showing ill humor for the first time] Oh,
indeed. [He leaves his hearth and begins to approach Henry
slowly, looking him up and down with growing resentment].

HE [hastening to improve the impression made by his mendacity] I
should never have dreamt of writing poems to her. The thing is
absurd.

HER HUSBAND [reddening ominously] Why is it absurd?

HE [shrugging his shoulders] Well, it happens that I do not
admire Mrs Bompas--in that way.

HER HUSBAND [breaking out in Henry's face] Let me tell you that
Mrs Bompas has been admired by better men than you, you soapy
headed little puppy, you.

HE [much taken aback] There is no need to insult me like this. I
assure you, on my honor as a--