SARAH. I'm not sure that I could. My marriage has come naturally to an end. CARNABY. Sarah, don't annoy me. SARAH. Papa, you joined my bridegroom's political party . . now you see fit to leave it. _She glances at_ ANN, _who gives no sign, however_. CARNABY. What have you been doing in ten years? SARAH. Waiting for this to happen . . now I come to think. CARNABY. Have ye the impudence to tell me that ye've never cared for your husband? SARAH. I was caught by the first few kisses; but he . . . CARNABY. Has he ever been unkind to you? SARAH. Never. He's a gentleman through and through . . . quite charming to live with. CARNABY. I see what more you expect. And he neither drinks nor . . nor . . no one even could suppose your leaving him. SARAH. No. I'm disgraced. CARNABY. Fight for your honour. SARAH. You surprise me sometimes by breaking out into cant phrases. CARNABY. What is more useful in the world than honour? SARAH. I think we never had any . . we! CARNABY. Give me more details. Tell me, who is this man? SARAH. I'm innocent . . if that were all. ANN. Sally, what do they say you've done? SARAH. I cry out like any poor girl. CARNABY. There must be no doubt that you're innocent. Why not go for to force Charles into court? SARAH. My innocence is not of the sort which shows up well. CARNABY. Hold publicity in reserve. No fear of the two men arranging to meet, is there? SARAH. They've met . . and they chatted about me. CARNABY. [_After a moment._] There's sound humour in that. SARAH. I shall feel able to laugh at them both from Yorkshire. CARNABY. God forbid! Come to Brighton . . we'll rally Charles no end. SARAH. Papa, I know there's nothing to be done. CARNABY. Coward! SARAH. Besides I don't think I want to go back to my happiness. _They are silent for a little._ CARNABY. How still! Look . . leaves falling already. Can that man hear what we're saying? SARAH. [_To_ ANN.] Can Abud overhear? ANN. I've never talked secrets in the garden before to-day. [_Raising her voice but a very little._] Can you hear me, Abud? _No reply comes._ CARNABY. Evidently not. There's brains shown in a trifle. SARAH. Does your arm pain you so much? ANN. Sarah, this man that you're fond of and that's not your husband is not by any chance Lord John Carp? SARAH. No. ANN. Nothing would surprise me. SARAH. You are witty . . but a little young to be so hard. CARNABY. Keep to your innocent thoughts. ANN. I must study politics. SARAH. We'll stop talking of this. ANN. No . . let me listen . . quite quietly. CARNABY. Let her listen . . she's going to be married. SARAH. Good luck, Ann. CARNABY. I have great hopes of Ann. SARAH. I hope she may be heartless. To be heartless is to be quite safe. CARNABY. Now we detect a taste of sour grapes in your mouth. SARAH. Butter and eggs. CARNABY. We must all start early in the morning. Sarah will take you, Ann, round the Brighton shops . . fine shops. You shall have the money. . .