JACK (_sulkily_). There's plenty of it; looks more like a bunch of greens! Of course, Jessie, you won't accept it? JESSIE (_coldly_). Why not? I'm fond of flowers! JACK. Yes, but you're not fond of Dicky! Come, Jessie, you'll return that bunch of greens--I mean that nosegay--to Mr. Chirper, won't you? JESSIE (_pretending to admire the flowers_). Certainly not! JACK (_checking his rising anger_). Take care, Jessie! I ask you once again! JESSIE. I shall keep it! JACK (_tenderly_). Jessie!--cousin! JESSIE. I repeat, I shall keep it! JACK (_furious_). You shall _not!_ (_snatching bouquet from JESSIE and tearing it to pieces_). There, there, there! (_JESSIE screams_). _Enter MRS. TARLETAN at C., followed by DOCTOR JOGTROT._ JESSIE. Oh, aunty (_running to her_), and you, sir (_to JOGTROT_), protect me from the violence of my cousin! Because Mr. Chirper sent me a nosegay, he has snatched it from me and torn it to pieces! JOGTROT (_advancing to JACK_). Young man, I am amazed-- JACK. Go to the devil! (_furiously; JOGTROT beats a retreat_). MRS. T. (_sorrowfully_). Oh, Jack, Jack! JACK. Harkee, aunt, it strikes me I've been made to play rather a ridiculous part here. First, it's all Dicky, then it's all _me!_ Now, it's all Dicky again! One would almost think I had been used merely as a bait to catch a bigger fish! MRS. T. (_reproachfully_). Oh, nephew, nephew! JOGTROT (_advancing_). If you allude to Mr. Chirper, sir-- JACK. Damn Mr. Chirper! [_Hurries up, giving nosegay a violent kick, and exit L. H., slamming door violently after him._ MRS. T. What a dreadful scene. JESSIE (_half crying_). I'll never marry him!--never! never! never! (_picking up the flowers_). MRS. T. Reflect, Jessie, reflect! JESSIE. I _have_ reflected (_trying to restrain her tears_). Mr. Chirper may be a trifle _slow_--and too fond of milk--but he wouldn't be always chucking young women under the chin--and fisti--fisti--cutting--I mean _cuffing!_ JOGTROT. Then I may at once convey the joyful tidings to the thrice-happy Chirper. JESSIE. (_harshly_). Yes! yes! the sooner the better. [_JOGTROT hurries out at C._ MRS. T. Oh, my darling! I fear you have been too rash--too impetuous. JESSIE. No! I--I--(_suddenly throwing herself sobbing violently into MRS. TARLETAN'S arms_). BLUNT (_heard without_). All right, captain! _Enter BLUNT at L. H., carrying a portmanteau._ MRS. T. (_to BLUNT_). Where are you taking that luggage? BLUNT. To the nearest hotel hereabouts, ma'am. Master's off directly, and I'm going with him! MRS. T. Oh, then you bear him no malice? BLUNT. Malice--me! What for, ma'am? MRS. T. Pshaw!--in a word, I know what has lately taken place between you. JESSIE. Yes! the fisti--fisti--you know (_with a lame imitation of sparring_). MRS. T. (_with intention_). And we also know the _cause!_ BLUNT. Do you? and do you think I'd leave the captain just because of a little--little bit of a--kicking?