_Alex._ (_rather taken aback_). My dear father, this is not altogether what I expected. I am certainly taken somewhat by surprise. Still it can hardly be necessary to assure you that any wife of yours is a mother of mine. (_Aside to ALINE._) It is not quite what I could have wished. _Mrs. P._ (_crossing to ALEXIS_). Oh, sir, I entreat your forgiveness. I am aware that socially I am not everything that could be desired, nor am I blessed with an abundance of worldly goods, but I can at least confer on your estimable father the great and priceless dowry of a true, tender, and loving heart. _Alex._ (_coldly_). I do not question it. After all, a faithful love is the true source of every earthly joy. _Sir M._ I knew that my boy would not blame his poor father for acting on the impulse of a heart that has never yet misled him. Zorah is not, perhaps, what the world call beautiful---- _Dr. D._ Still she is comely--distinctly comely! (_Sighs._) _Ali._ Zorah is very good, and very clean and honest, and quite sober in her habits; and that is worth far more than beauty, dear Sir Marmaduke. _Dr. D._ Yes; beauty will fade and perish, but personal cleanliness is practically undying, for it can be renewed whenever it discovers symptoms of decay. My dear Sir Marmaduke, I heartily congratulate you. (_Sighs._) QUINTETTE. ALEXIS, ALINE, SIR MARMADUKE, ZORAH, AND DR. DALY. _Alex._ I rejoice that it’s decided. Happy now will be his life, For my father is provided With a true and tender wife! _Ensemble._ She will tend him, nurse him, mend him, Air his linen, dry his tears. Bless the thoughtful fates that send him Such a wife to soothe his years! _Ali._ No young giddy thoughtless maiden, Full of graces, airs, and jeers-- But a sober widow, laden With the weight of fifty years! _Sir M._ No high-born exacting beauty, Blazing like a jewelled sun-- But a wife who’ll do her duty, As that duty should be done! _Mrs. P._ I’m no saucy minx and giddy-- Hussies such as they abound-- But a clean and tidy widdy, Well be-known for miles around! _Dr. D._ All the village now have mated, All are happy as can be-- I to live alone am fated: No one’s left to marry me! _Ensemble._ She will tend him, etc. [_Exeunt SIR MARMADUKE and MRS. PARTLET, ALINE and ALEXIS. DR. DALY looks after them sentimentally, then exit with a sigh. MR. WELLS, who has overheard part of this Quintette, and who has remained concealed behind the market cross, comes down as they go off._ RECITATIVE.--MR. WELLS.