Zack. All right, mother. I'll go. Only you know, Martha, you're tying this knot firm. A printed card's an awful binding thing. Martha. My father's got to see there's no mistake. Zack. He's doing pretty well so far. Martha. Yes. My wedding-dress is coming home tonight, too. I'll show it you if you like. Zack (_swallowing, then_), I'm like a cat on hot bricks till I see that dress. (_Martha and Zack go out._) Virginia. Poor Zack! Mrs. Munning. Fools pay for their folly. Did you come down for your walk with Paul? Virginia. Yes. It's about the usual time. Mrs. Munning. He'll be late this evening. He'd to go to Bollington this afternoon, but he'll bring you back a fairing, Jenny. He mostly went on your account. Virginia. On mine? Mrs. Munning. Paul's fretting because the roses he's putting in your room each day aren't good enough for you. He's gone to Bollington to see if he can't find better at the flower shop there. Virginia (_coldly_). He needn't have troubled, aunt. Mrs. Munning. Paul doesn't count it trouble to do things for you. Virginia. So he's told me. Mrs. Munning. Well, truth's truth, and I'm not bound to hide it. He's missed his proper bedtime every night with seeking roses here to suit him. They've got to be so fine and large before they'll do for Paul. (_Sally enters with a vase of very faded roses in her hand._) Sally. Do you want these leaving in your room any longer, Miss Virginia? They're that faded and done they'll stink the place out soon. Virginia. I think they might be thrown away now, Sally. Sally. I'd think so, too. Been there a week if it's a minute. Some one used to change them every day, but they've seemingly got tired of the job. Virginia. Yes. Put them away, please. (_Sally nods and goes out._) Mrs. Munning (_making the best of it_). I didn't know he'd given it up here altogether. Virginia. I expect he preferred a proper night's rest, aunt. Mrs. Munning. Not he. But that's Paul all over. If he can't get the best he'll have none. Look at the engagement ring he gave you. Virginia. Yes. It's--an engagement ring. Mrs. Munning. Ah, but you're like myself, Jenny. You don't value things for their appearance, but for what they mean to you. Virginia (_doubtfully, fingering the ring_). Yes. (_Paul enters, with hat and coat on._) Paul. Good evening. Mrs. Munning. Why, you're sooner than I expected. Paul. Well, I've settled it. I've done my business. I've got them mother. How are you, Jenny? (_Comes round and kisses her._) Mrs. Munning. Have you brought them with you, Paul? Paul. I'll show you. Let me get my coat off. Mrs. Munning. The roses, I mean. Paul (_blankly_). Oh the roses. Mrs. Munning (_quickly_). They'll be sending them, I suppose. Paul. Well---- Virginia. I'm just going upstairs. Mrs. Munning. You needn't run away from him the moment he comes back. Virginia. No. But I shan't be going out for a walk to-night, aunt. I'll take my hat off. (_Exit Virginia._)