[_For a moment_ SANFORD _pauses at the table, outside, bright in the moonlight; picks up the ear-trumpet; with it, he heavily proceeds into the garden; then looking at the moon_. SANFORD. [_With his fat chuckle._] Ah, romance! All very well for young folks. But [_Tapping the ear-trumpet._] she’ll hear my vows all right with this! And romance comes easy at $100,000! RICHARD. [_Indignantly._] Lydia! It’s desecration. Let me challenge him and end it! LYDIA. [_A restraining hand on his arm._] Hush! Leave it to me---- And that---- [_Pointing to the ear-trumpet._] He said that was to hear his vows with. How very strange! SANFORD. [_Plumping down on the bench near him._] ’Might as well stay here. ’Can’t sleep a wink. RICHARD. [_Tears in his voice, as he feels the hour going._] Lydia! It’s our one night! Make him go away! LYDIA. [_Softly._] Ah, if he’d go away! [_Louder._] If he’d burn that picture, and pack right up, and go away from Bird’s Nest, and never come back! SANFORD. Damned pretty little house for Evelina and me! Damned lucky to get it, and so cheap, too! [_With another chuckle._] Some clever Johnny must’ve made up that yarn about the ghosts to pull the prices down! Ghosts! Ha-ha-ha! When I sell, I’ll sell high! I can swear I’ve never seen ’em! LYDIA. [_Distinctly, as she emerges from the shadows, and sweeping him a mocking courtesy._] I suppose you don’t see _me_, sir? RICHARD. [_In a frightened whisper._] Dearest Lydia, pray be careful! [LYDIA _steals behind_ SANFORD, _jerks up the trumpet, and, holding it to his ear_. LYDIA. [_Mischievously._] There, sir! Is it only your bride who can’t hear? [_With a sleepy gesture_, SANFORD _brushes away the trumpet, which falls to the ground_. SANFORD. [_With a yawn._] Ah, never mind. Too much work--pick it up. LYDIA. [_Slipping around in front of him._] Come, Richard! RICHARD. [_Joining her somewhat hesitantly and taking her outstretched hands._] Is it quite safe, do you think? LYDIA. [_To_ SANFORD, _dosing on the bench_.] We don’t want to hurt you, sir. Say it with me, Richard---- LYDIA _and_ RICHARD. [_Repeating together._] But Bird’s Nest is our very own! Will you go away? You don’t love your bride! And you know---- [_With low intensity._] _Bird’s Nest was built for lovers!_ SANFORD. [_Sleepily._] $100,000, by George! That’s enough to make up for a whole lot! And Bird’s Nest----