should behave. I didn't intend to be wicked; but somehow or
other, Nature, or whatever you choose to call it, didn't take
much notice of my intentions. [Gregory instinctively seeks her
hand and presses it]. And I really did think, Tops, that I was
the only woman in the world for you.

JUNO [cheerfully] Oh, that's all right, my precious. Mrs. Lunn
thought she was the only woman in the world for him.

GREGORY [reflectively] So she is, in a sort of a way.

JUNO [flaring up] And so is my wife. Don't you set up to be a
better husband than I am; for you're not. I've owned I'm wrong.
You haven't.

MRS. LUNN. Are you sorry, Gregory?

GREGORY [perplexed] Sorry?

MRS. LUNN. Yes, sorry. I think it's time for you to say you're
sorry, and to make friends with Mr. Juno before we all dine
together.

GREGORY. Seraphita: I promised my mother--

MRS. JUNO [involuntarily] Oh, bother your mother! [Recovering
herself] I beg your pardon.

GREGORY. A promise is a promise. I can't tell a deliberate lie. I
know I ought to be sorry; but the flat fact is that I'm not