When you touched my hand, every nerve of my body thrilled. MRS. DOT. You’re not really in love with me? BLENKINSOP. Passionately. MRS. DOT. You’re ridiculous, James Blenkinsop. BLENKINSOP. I was a fool. I played with fire, and I never dreamed I’d burn myself. MRS. DOT. But you mustn’t be in love with me. I won’t hear of it. BLENKINSOP. It’s too late to say that now. I adore you. MRS. DOT. But what on earth’s to be done? BLENKINSOP. You must marry me. MRS. DOT. Nothing will induce me to do anything of the sort. BLENKINSOP. [_Going up to her with outstretched arms._] You can’t realise the wealth of tenderness and affection which I’ll lavish upon you. MRS. DOT. Go away! Don’t come near me. BLENKINSOP. Why should you care for Gerald? Do you think if he loved you, he would let a trifling engagement with somebody else stand in the way? MRS. DOT. The fact is that men are never to be trusted. BLENKINSOP. I can’t live without you now. I’ll give up my whole life to make you happy. MRS. DOT. But I’m in love with Gerald. I’m not in love with you. I shall never be in love with you. BLENKINSOP. You owe me something for all the agony you’ve made me endure. Dot, remember that licence. It was bought in jest, but the Archbishop of Canterbury was in earnest. MRS. DOT. But my dear James, for heaven’s sake be reasonable. You know just as well as I do that you’re not a marrying man. BLENKINSOP. Give me the chance, and you’ll see. MRS. DOT. I’m sure you wouldn’t like me. I’m horrid really. BLENKINSOP. I know that you’re full of faults, but, bless you, I love them all. MRS. DOT. I’ve got a beastly temper. BLENKINSOP. I dote upon you when I see your eyes flash with anger. MRS. DOT. I’m awfully extravagant, and if the Government brings in temperance legislation I shall be ruined. BLENKINSOP. I’m rich. I should look upon it as the greatest happiness to spend my last penny to gratify your smallest wish. MRS. DOT. I won’t marry you. I won’t marry you. I won’t! BLENKINSOP. Dot, Dot! [_He catches her in his arms and kisses her. At this moment_ GERALD _comes in_, MRS. DOT _breaks away from_ BLENKINSOP. _There is an awkward pause._ MRS. DOT. [_To_ GERALD.] I thought you were on the river. GERALD. Hang the river! [_She goes to the door, which_ BLENKINSOP _opens for her. She goes out. As_ AUNT ELIZA _follows, he speaks to her in a low tone_. BLENKINSOP. There’s passion for you. AUNT ELIZA. You brutes, you can all do it. You positively made my heart beat. [_She goes out._ GERALD. What did Miss MacGregor say? BLENKINSOP. A vague suggestion of bigamy if I understood correctly. GERALD. [_Frigidly._] I’m afraid I came at an inopportune moment. BLENKINSOP. It appears to be one of your happy little ways. GERALD. Every one seems to kiss every one else in this house. BLENKINSOP.