us to see you here to- night. It's an honour you do us, and I
assure you, speaking for my--my wife, as well as for myself,
that the--the--

MAGGIE (_in an undertone_). Generous.

WILLIE. Oh, aye. That's it. That the generous warmth of the
sentiments so cordially expressed by Mr. Beenstock and so
enthusiastically seconded by--no, I've gotten that wrong road
round--expressed by Mr. Prosser and seconded by Mr. Beenstock--
will never be forgotten by either my life partner or self--and--
and I'd like to drink this toast to you in my own house. Our
guests, and may they all be married soon themselves.

MAGGIE (_rising and drinking with_ WILL). Our guests.

(WILL _and_ MAGGIE _sit. General laughter and conversation_.)

ALBERT (_solemnly rising_). In rising to respond--

ALICE (_tugging his coat and putting him into his seat_).
Sit down. We've had enough of speeches. I know men fancy
themselves when they're talking, but you've had one turn and you
needn't start again.

ALBERT. But we ought to thank him, Alice.

ALICE. I dare say. But you'll not speak as well as he did, so we
can leave it with a good wind-up. I'm free to own you took me by
surprise, Will.