SYKES. I raise no difficulty. But I do beg you to be careful what you say about people. You must remember, my dear, that when we are married I shall be responsible for everything you say. Only last week you said on a public platform that Slattox and Chinnery were scoundrels. They could have got a thousand pounds damages apiece from me for that if we'd been married at the time. EDITH [austerely] I never said anything of the sort. I never stoop to mere vituperation: what would my girls say of me if I did? I chose my words most carefully. I said they were tyrants, liars, and thieves; and so they are. Slattox is even worse. HOTCHKISS. I'm afraid that would be at least five thousand pounds. SYKES. If it were only myself, I shouldnt care. But my mother and sisters! Ive no right to sacrifice them. EDITH. You neednt be alarmed. I'm not going to be married. ALL THE REST. Not! SYKES [in consternation] Edith! Are you throwing me over? EDITH. How can I? you have been beforehand with me. SYKES. On my honor, no. All I said was that I didnt know the law when I asked you to be my wife. EDITH. And you wouldnt have asked me if you had. Is that it? SYKES. No. I should have asked you for my sake be a little more careful--not to ruin me uselessly. EDITH. You think the truth useless? HOTCHKISS. Much worse than useless, I assure you. Frequently most mischievous. EDITH. Sinjon: hold your tongue. You are a chatterbox and a fool! MRS BRIDGENORTH } [shocked] { Edith! THE BISHOP } { My love! HOTCHKISS [mildly] I shall not take an action, Cecil. EDITH [to Hotchkiss] Sorry; but you are old enough to know better. [To the others] And now since there is to be no wedding, we had better get back to our work. Mamma: will you tell Collins to cut up the wedding cake into thirty-three pieces for the club girls? My not being married is no reason why they should be disappointed. [She turns to go]. HOTCHKISS [gallantly] If youll allow me to take Cecil's place, Miss Bridgenorth-- LEO. Sinjon! HOTCHKISS. Oh, I forgot. I beg your pardon. [To Edith, apologetically] A prior engagement. EDITH. What! You and Leo! I thought so. Well, hadnt you two better get married at once? I dont approve of long engagements. The breakfast's ready: the cake's ready: everything's ready. I'll lend Leo my veil and things. THE BISHOP. I'm afraid they must wait until the decree is made absolute, my dear. And the license is not transferable. EDITH. Oh well, it cant be helped. Is there anything else before I go off to the Club? SYKES. You dont seem much disappointed, Edith. I cant help saying that much. EDITH. And you cant help looking enormously relieved, Cecil. We shant be any worse friends, shall we?