[_Goes up, meets JACK, who enters at C., stops and whispers JACK, pointing to JOGTROT, then exit at C._ JACK. So, so! my serious friend, you not only, as my aunt tells me, refuse to withdraw your man, but you've been pumping Blunt about me, have you? (_touching JOGTROT on the shoulder_). You can spare me time for half a dozen words? Thank you (_very quietly_). It seems you are not over and above anxious that I should marry my cousin? (_very quietly_). JOGTROT. Frankly, I am _not!_ JACK (_still very quietly_). May I ask _why?_ JOGTROT (_aside_). He doesn't seem very explosive. I'll go it a bit! (_Aloud._) In the first place, from my limited acquaintance with military men, I confess--I--(_shrugging his shoulders_). JACK (_still very quietly_). Well, sir? JOGTROT (_aside_). He doesn't seem _at all_ explosive! I'll go it another _bit._ (_Aloud._) And although you have left the army, you can scarcely have failed to contract certain habits and pursuits, which, in my opinion, are more or less antagonistic to happiness in the married state! JACK (_aside_). I'm getting the fidgets in my right leg! (_Aloud._) In short, you look upon me as a decidedly disreputable person? (_with difficulty restraining his passion_). JOGTROT (_alarmed and very quickly_). I didn't say so! (_Aside._) I sha'n't go it any more bits. (_Aloud._) But _seriously!_ you don't, you _can't_ really believe you love your cousin? You've only just returned from China. JACK. What of that, as long as I didn't leave my heart behind me? JOGTROT. Still, this sudden, _very_ sudden, _remarkably_ sudden attachment, some people might be ill-natured enough to--to--to-- JACK (_with increasing impatience_). When you've quite done "to--to--toing," perhaps you'll get on. JOGTROT. I repeat, some people might attribute to the lady's _fortune,_ rather than to the lady herself (_with intention_). JACK. Fortune? What, Jessie? (_After a short pause._) Well, so much the better! Not that I was aware of it. JOGTROT (_smiling significantly_). Oh, you were _not aware_ of it, eh? JACK (_checking his anger_). I have said so once, sir! JOGTROT (_smiling satirically_). Yes, you _said_ so, certainly! JACK (_gulping down his anger, and very quietly_). Have you quite done? Then suppose we change the conversation! Now, if the thing were properly put to you, which do you think you would prefer?--having your nose pulled (_JOGTROT retreats_), a sound horse-whipping (_JOGTROT takes another jump backward_), or a good kicking (_swinging his right leg about; JOGTROT rushes out at C._). JACK. Ha! ha! ha! (_Suddenly stopping._) Zounds! these infernal little pets of mine will be the ruin of me! Of course he'll tell aunt--she'll scold--Jessie'll blubber--so shall I--at least I'll try. Our marriage will be-- But he can't have left the house yet! I'll run after him! Memorandum for the future--when you feel a sudden impulse to strangle a man, _do_ it. [_Runs out at C. after JOGTROT._