DAM. Ah! your autumnal maiden is so near a neighbour of your wintery one, that when you have folded the full blown blossom to your heart, you will find to your dismay, that all its leaves are falling at your feet; but I understand your rhapsody--you have betrayed yourself, and now I ask you a plain question--are you going to be married? NIG. To make a plain reply, what is it to you? _(Knocking without.)_ Another call, what shall I do? How the time is getting on--my only chance is to drop out of the window into the road. _MR. NARCISSUS BOSS, without, F.E.L._ BOSS. Mr. Niggle at home? Oh, very well. [_Enters._] Good morning to you, Niggle. Ah! Damper, _you_ here. _(Crosses to C.)_ Ladies, your most obedient, I dropped in to see my friend. Mr. Niggle, the strangest bit of gossip you ever heard--while I was at my tailor's, suggesting an alteration in my arm-holes--clumsy fellow has made me thirty coats and can't fit me yet. DAM. Never mind your tailor--what of the gossip? BOSS. I don't think I'm justified in publicly retailing it; but my operative assured me on his honor as a man, that he had heard it, and as I know our friend Niggle is interested in the party scandalized, I thought it but friendly to call and drop him a _hint_ of what I have heard. MISS SKY. _(Crossing to him and whispering.)_ Of _Miss_ Coy? BOSS. Yes, what have _you_ heard? MISS SKY. I have indeed. MISS SNA. Relating to the party you alluded to, Miss Skylark? MISS SKY. The very same! DAM. Come, come, speak out; what is the use of mystery? You allude to Miss Coy? BOSS. I do. NIG. Well, well, what is it? If it is so very horrible, what is it? Eh? eh? eh? _(To each of them; they all shake their heads and sigh.)_ Oh, well, well, if you don't choose to tell me, keep the matter to yourself; why call here dropping your hints? Why should I concern _myself_ about that lady, or what may be said of her? hey? eh? Ah, indeed, why? As for you, Mr. David, listen to me: it was all very well and very kind of you to concern yourself about me when I was young and thoughtless; but now I am at an age to judge for myself, your interference in my affairs is very officious; and, in future, sir, I shall do as I like, marry if I like, drown myself if I like, and if I _do_ the latter thing, sir, I shall consider it an act of impertinence if you jump into _any_ pond, in _any_ place, and _under_ any circumstances, after me. There, sir. [_Exit at the back, in a violent passion._ MISS SKY. His indignation is very suspicious. MISS SNA. Very indeed! DAM. He certainly is about to marry that woman. BOSS. I should regret it exceedingly if he were. MISS SNA. We ought really to tell him what we have heard, and break off the match.