GENTLEMAN. On the contrary, she was quite a respectable sort of old body! LADY (_aloud, and in a satirical tone_). Thanks, sir, for your kind and _interesting_ information! GENTLEMAN (_modestly_). Don't mention it, I beg! LADY (_aside_). A newspaper correspondent, perhaps! I prefer that to a farmer! GENTLEMAN (_after a short pause_). I find the sun rather too warm on this side of the carriage, madam--will it inconvenience you if I take this seat? (_indicating first chair at R._). LADY. Not in the least! Indeed, I should have the less right to object, as I am afraid I have appropriated _yours;_ and by far the more comfortable one, I suspect! GENTLEMAN. You simply foresaw that I should offer it to you, madam! LADY. Oh, sir! (_bowing_). GENTLEMAN. Oh, madam! (_bowing; he removes things from where the LADY had placed them, and seats himself opposite to her_). LADY (_aside_). Really a very pleasant, agreeable fellow! GENTLEMAN (_aside_). Her full face is even better than her profile! (_Aloud, and in a sentimental tone._) Ah, madam! would it were in my power to prolong this pleasant journey--this delightful _tête-à-tête!_ LADY (_with dignity_). Sir! GENTLEMAN (_aside_). That's no go! (_Aloud._) I mean, madam, that one seems to travel _too_ fast nowadays! (_LADY expresses surprise._) In fact, we're _all_ too fast! LADY (_severely_). Sir! GENTLEMAN (_aside_). _That's_ no go! (_Aloud._) We've only to contrast the present with the time when the wife of one of our ancient kings traversed the whole of England by easy stages of five miles a day! LADY. Of whom do you speak? GENTLEMAN. Of--of-- (_Aside._) Hang me if I know! (_Aloud._) Of Tabitha--I mean Elgitha, the wife of--Edmund--Sobersides--I should say Ironsides! But without going quite so far back, madam, I confess I often regret the days of those heavy old stage-coaches called "High-flyers," "Eclipses," and "Rockets." LADY (_smiling_). Because they went so slowly? GENTLEMAN. Precisely. Still, it had its advantages--it gave one an opportunity to make the acquaintance of one's travelling companions--to establish a friendly feeling--perhaps one of a more _tender_ nature! (_with a tender look at the LADY_). LADY (_with a stare of astonishment_). Sir! GENTLEMAN (_aside_). It's no use. I won't try any more! (_Aloud, and in a more colloquial tone._) Besides, in a stage-coach there was always the chance of one of those little adventures that so often happened on the road! LADY. You mean attacks by highwaymen, such as your _friend_ Mr.--Turpin--who had a weakness for putting respectable old ladies on the kitchen fire? (_smiling satirically--then, changing her tone_). I remember myself a certain event which happened some five or six years ago when we were travelling. GENTLEMAN. _We?_ You and your pa and ma, probably? LADY. My husband and I! GENTLEMAN. Husband? you are married, ma'am! actually, positively married? LADY. Alas, sir! (_sighing_).