BENNET [_waves her back into silence_]. Mr. Newte was given refreshment suitable to his station. [_She goes to interrupt_. _Again he waves her back_.] We are speaking of more important matters. Your cousin reminded you that you would have to pass the lodge, occupied by your Aunt Amelia. I state the case correctly? FANNY. Beautifully! BENNET. I said nothing at the time, doubting the evidence of my own ears. The boy, however—where is the boy?—[_Ernest is pushed forward_]—has admitted—reluctantly—that he also heard it. [_A pause_. _The solemnity deepens_.] You made use of an expression— FANNY. Oh, cut it short. I said “damn.” [_A shudder passes_.] I’m sorry to have frightened you, but if you knew a little more of really good society, you would know that ladies—quite slap-up ladies—when they’re excited, do—. MRS. BENNET [_interrupting with almost a scream_]. She defends it! BENNET. You will allow _me_ to be the judge of what a _lady_ says, even when she is excited. As for this man, Newte— FANNY. The best friend you ever had. [_She is_ “_up_” _again_.] You thank your stars, all of you, and tell the others, too, the whole blessed twenty-three of you—you thank your stars that I did “surreptitiously” beg and pray him to run down by the first train and have a talk with me; and that Providence was kind enough to _you_ to enable him to come. It’s a very different tune you’d have been singing at this moment—all of you—if he hadn’t. I can tell you that. MRS. BENNET. And pray, what tune _should_ we have been singing if Providence hadn’t been so thoughtful of us? FANNY [_she is about to answer_, _then checks herself_, _and sits again_]. You take care you don’t find out. There’s time yet. MRS. BENNET. We had better leave her. BENNET. Threats, my good girl, will not help you. MRS. BENNET [_with a laugh_]. She’s in too tight a corner for that. BENNET. A contrite heart is what your aunt and I desire to see. [_He takes from his pocket a small book_, _places it open on the desk_.] I have marked one or two passages, on pages 93–7. We will discuss them together—later in the day. _They troop out in silence_, _the key turns in the lock_. FANNY [_takes up the book—turns to the cover_, _reads_]. “The Sinner’s Manual.” [_She turns to page_ 93.] [CURTAIN] _ACT III_ _SCENE_ _The same_. _Time_.—_A few days later_. _A table is laid for tea_. _Ernest enters with the tea-urn_. _He leaves the door open_; _through it comes the sound of an harmonium_, _accompanying the singing of a hymn_. _Fanny comes from her dressing-room_. _She is dressed more cheerfully than when we last saw her_, _but still_ “_seemly_.” _She has a book in her hand_. _She pauses_, _hearing the music_, _goes nearer to the open door_, _and listens_; _then crosses and takes her place at the table_. _The music ceases_.