SIR WILFRID. [_Trying to explain his state of mind, a feat which he has never been able to accomplish._] Mrs. Phillimore, you see it's this way. Whenever you're lucky, you're too lucky. Now, Mrs. Karslake is a nipper and no mistake, but as I told you, the very same evenin' and house where I saw her-- [_He attempts to take her hand._ VIDA. [_Gently rising and affecting a tender surprise._] What! SIR WILFRID. [_Rising with her._] That's it!--You're over! [_He suggests with his right hand the movement of a horse taking a hurdle._ VIDA. [_Very sweetly._] You don't really mean-- SIR WILFRID. [_Carried away for the moment by so much true womanliness._] I mean, I stayed awake for an hour last night, thinkin' about you. VIDA. [_Speaking to be contradicted._] But, you've just told me--that Cynthia-- SIR WILFRID. [_Admitting the fact._] Well, she did--she did bowl my wicket, but so did you-- VIDA. [_Taking him very gently to task._] Don't you think there's a limit to-- [_She sits down._ SIR WILFRID. [_Roused by so much loveliness of soul._] Now, see here, Mrs. Phillimore! You and I are not bottle babies, eh, are we? You've been married and--I--I've knocked about, and we both know there's a lot of stuff talked about--eh, eh, well, you know:--the one and only--that a fellow can't be awfully well smashed by two at the same time, don't you know! All rubbish! You know it, and the proof of the puddin's in the eatin', I am! VIDA. [_With gentle reproach._] May I ask where I come in? SIR WILFRID. Well, now, Mrs. Phillimore, I'll be frank with you, Cynthia's my favourite, but you're runnin' her a close second in the popular esteem! VIDA. [_Laughing, determined not to take offense._] What a delightful, original, fantastic person you are! SIR WILFRID. [_Frankly happy that he has explained everything so neatly._] I knew you'd take it that way! VIDA. And what next, pray? SIR WILFRID. Oh, just the usual,--eh,--thing,--the--eh--the same old question, don't you know. Will you have me if she don't? VIDA. [_A shade piqued, but determined not to risk showing it._] And you call that the same old usual question? SIR WILFRID. Yes, I know, but--but will you? I sail in a week; we can take the same boat. And--eh--eh--my dear Mrs.--mayn't I say Vida, I'd like to see you at the head of my table. VIDA. [_With velvet irony._] With Cynthia at the foot? SIR WILFRID. [_Practical, as before._] Never mind Mrs. Karslake,--I admire her--she's--but you have your own points! And you're here, and so'm I!--damme I offer myself, and my affections, and I'm no icicle, my dear, tell you that for a fact, and,--and in fact what's your answer!-- [VIDA _sighs and shakes her head._] Make it, yes! I say, you know, my dear Vida-- [_He catches her hands._ VIDA. [_Drawing them from his._] Unhand me, dear villain! And sit further away from your second choice! What can I say? I'd rather have _you_ for a lover than any man I know! You must be a lovely lover!