James, I have been thinking over all you said, and I am willing to marry you. BLENKINSOP. [_A chill going down his spine._] I thank you from the bottom of my heart, but I cannot accept this sacrifice. MRS. DOT. It is no sacrifice when I think that I can make you happy. BLENKINSOP. But you mustn’t think of me. It’s your happiness that we have to consider. Don’t let a momentary impulse ruin your whole life. MRS. DOT. I’ve thought it over very carefully. I cannot resist your passionate pleading. BLENKINSOP. I will not be outdone in generosity. You have refused me. I accept your refusal as final. MRS. DOT. I never realised that your nature was so great and tender. Every word you say makes me more determined to devote my life to your happiness. BLENKINSOP. My dear Dot, much as I appreciate the beauty of your sentiments, I must confess that I could never marry a woman who did not love me. MRS. DOT. [_As though she were struggling with her modesty._] I see that you want to force from me the avowal that is so hard to make. Oh, you men! BLENKINSOP. Good God, you don’t mean to say you’re in love with me? MRS. DOT. [_Languishing._] James. Is it so very wonderful? BLENKINSOP. Half an hour ago you said you couldn’t stand me at any price. MRS. DOT. It’s a woman’s privilege to change her mind. The passion which you threw into your proposal has completely changed me. I am touched by the vehemence with which you flung your heart at my feet. I have struggled, but I cannot resist. Take me in your arms, James, and never let me go. BLENKINSOP. Dot, I have a confession to make to you. I didn’t mean a word I said. MRS. DOT. Ah, James, do not jest. BLENKINSOP. I assure you I’m perfectly serious. You taunted me that I couldn’t make love, so I just let myself go to show you I could. I daresay it was a silly joke, but it certainly was a joke. MRS. DOT. [_Unmoved._] James, every word you say increases my admiration for you. I can’t think now how I was ever blind to your great affection. BLENKINSOP. But don’t you hear what I say? MRS. DOT. Do you think you can take me in so easily? BLENKINSOP. You don’t believe me? MRS. DOT. Not a word. BLENKINSOP. [_Thoroughly alarmed._] Now, look here. I don’t love you, I’ve never loved you, and I never shall love you. I can’t put it any clearer than that. MRS. DOT. [_With rapture._] God, how he adores me! BLENKINSOP. I say, look here, this is a bit too thick. MRS. DOT. I know you only say these cruel things because you think I should be throwing myself away on you. BLENKINSOP. [_Huffily._] I don’t know about that. MRS. DOT. You cannot bear to think that I should accept you from pity. But it isn’t that, James. You are handsome and noble and chivalrous. How shouldn’t a woman love you? BLENKINSOP. I repeat that I do not reciprocate your passion. MRS. DOT. You can’t deceive me so easily as that, James. I _know_ you love me. We women have such quick intuitions. BLENKINSOP.