NTHIA.] We've got to make haste, you know.

CYNTHIA. Now, I'm ready--

JOHN. [_To_ CYNTHIA.] Be sensible. You're breaking off the match--

CYNTHIA. [_Excitedly._] What's that to you?

SIR WILFRID. It's boots and saddles!

JOHN. [_Taking his stand between them and the door._] No thoroughfare!

SIR WILFRID. Look here, my boy--!

CYNTHIA. [_Catching at the opportunity of putting_ JOHN _in an
impossible position._] Wait a moment, Sir Wilfrid! Give me the wire!
[_Facing him._] Thanks! [_Taking the telegraph form from him and
tearing it up._] There! Too rude to chuck him by wire! But you, Jack,
you've taken on yourself to look after my interests, so I'll just ask
you, old man, to run down to the Supreme Court and tell
Philip--nicely, you know--I'm off with Sir Wilfrid and where! Say I'll
be back by seven, if I'm not later! And make it clear, Jack, I'll
marry him by eight-thirty or nine at the latest! And mind _you're_
there, dear! And now, Sir Wilfrid, we're off.

JOHN. [_Staggered and furious, giving way as they pass him._] I'm not
the man to--to carry--

CYNTHIA. [_Quick and dashing._] Oh, yes, you are.

JOHN. --a message from you.

CYNTHIA. [_Triumphant._] Oh, yes, you are; you're just exactly the
man! [CYNTHIA _and_ SIR WILFRID _whirl out._

JOHN. Great miracles of Moses!

CURTAIN.

ACT III.

SCENE. _The same as that of Act I, but the room has been
cleared of superfluous furniture, and arranged for a wedding
ceremony._ MRS. PHILLIMORE _is reclining on the sofa at the
right of the table,_ MISS HENEAGE _at its left._ SUDLEY _is
seated at the right of the table._ GRACE _is seated on the
sofa. There is a wedding-bell of roses, an arch of orange
blossoms, and, girdled by a ribbon of white, an altar of
calla lilies. There are cushions of flowers, alcoves of
flowers, vases of flowers--in short, flowers everywhere and
in profusion and variety. Before the altar are two cushions
for the couple to kneel on and, on pedestals, at each side of
the arch, are twin candelabra. The hangings are pink and
white._

_The room, first of all, and its emblems, holds the undivided
attention; then slowly engaging it, and in contrast to their
gay surroundings, the occupants. About each and everyone of
them, hangs a deadly atmosphere of suppressed irritation._

SUDLEY. [_Impatiently._] All very well, my dear Sarah. But you see the
hour.