)
THE COLUMBINE (screaming). Lift me down, somebody: I'm going to
fall. Papa: lift me down.
CRAMPTON (anxiously running to her and taking her hands). My child!
DOLLY (jumping down with his help). Thanks: so nice of you. (Phil,
putting his hat into his belt, sits on the side of the table and pours
out some claret cup. Crampton returns to his place on the ottoman in
great perplexity.) Oh, what fun! Oh, dear. (She seats herself with a
vault on the front edge of the table, panting.) Oh, claret cup! (She
drinks.)
BOHUN (in powerful tones). This is the younger lady, is it?
DOLLY (slipping down off the table in alarm at his formidable voice
and manner). Yes, sir. Please, who are you?
MRS. CLANDON. This is Mr. Bohun, Dolly, who has very kindly come to
help us this evening.
DOLLY. Oh, then he comes as a boon and a blessing---
PHILIP. Sh!
CRAMPTON. Mr. Bohun---McComas: I appeal to you. Is this right?
Would you blame my sister's family for objecting to this?
DOLLY (flushing ominously). Have you begun again?
CRAMPTON (propitiating her). No, no. It's perhaps natural at your
age.
DOLLY (obstinately). Never mind my age. Is it pretty?
CRAMPTON. Yes, dear, yes. (He sits down in token of submission.)
DOLLY (following him insistently). Do you like it?
CRAMPTON. My child: how can you expect me to like it or to approve
of it?
DOLLY (determined not to let him off).
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