WOOD. The very words I said. "Woodcock," said I, "I couldn't have believed it of you." But you won't betray me, my dear and highly valued friend? you won't go and dash the cup of connubial bliss from my lips? because I have seen Mrs. Colonel Carver turn very red in the face at the merest trifle, and--here she comes. (_with an imploring look at MRS. LARKINGS_) _Enter MRS. CARVER, R. 2 E._ MRS. C. Mrs. Larkings here? where is she? Ah, my dear, delighted to see you! and yet I've half a mind to scold you for arriving so late; we've been obliged to get married without you, haven't we, Mr. W.? (_crossing to WOODCOCK_) WOOD. Yes, Mrs. C.! MRS. L. Tell me--how is dear Caroline? MRS. C. Very well, but very agitated--and no wonder (_seeing WOODCOCK, who is approaching, and in a severe tone of astonishment_) Mr. W.! WOOD. (_bothered_) Yes, Mrs. C. (_MRS. CARVER motions him to keep at a distance, WOODCOCK retreats quite bewildered_) MRS. C. (_to MRS. L._) Go to her, my dear! you'll find the dear child in her room, exchanging her bridal attire for her travelling dress. WOOD. (_overhearing, L. C._) Umph! Travelling dress? did you say "travelling dress?" MRS. C. Yes, Mr. W.! but I forgot, you were to know nothing about it! (_to MRS. LARKINGS_) I think we arranged that Mr. W. should know nothing about it? MRS. L. (_R. C._) Of course not! our object was to give him an agreeable surprise. (_smiling_) WOOD. Our object?--then (_crosses to MRS. LARKINGS_) you joined in this charming little plot, eh? ha, ha! (_forcing a laugh_) MRS. C. Joined in it? She concocted it! WOOD. Did she? ha, ha! (_with a savage grin at MRS. LARKINGS_) MRS. C. Yes; why don't you thank her, Mr. W.? WOOD. (_sulkily_) I do. (_very savagely, to MRS. L._) I'm obliged to you. Do you hear?--I'm obliged to you. MRS. L. (_smiling satirically at WOODCOCK_) I am thanked sufficiently already, in having suggested a proposal, which evidently gives you so much satisfaction! And now I'll join dear Caroline! MRS. C. Do. Mr. W.! (_WOODCOCK takes no notice--very loud_) Mr. W! WOOD. (_sulkily_) Well! MRS. C. Hand Mrs. Larkings to the door. WOOD. Eh--very well. (_taking hold of MRS. LARKINGS'S hand_) Come along! (_pulling her after him to door, R. 2 E., and then pointing to it_) There you are! (_looking fiercely at MRS. L., who bursts out laughing in his face and goes out--WOODCOCK, buttoning up his coat, and with an air of resolution_) I don't care--though it should come to a fight between Carver and me, I will _not_ pay a third visit to the Colosseum at Rome. MRS. C. (_anxiously watching MRS. LARKINGS out, and then throwing off her former stiff and disguised manner_) Done at last! (_looking knowingly at WOODCOCK, and shaking her head playfully at him_) Ah!--ah! WOOD. (_R. C., astonished--aside_) What the deuce is the matter with Carver? MRS. C. (_L. C., still in the same playful manner_) And has Marmy been deceived--has Marmy been taken in?--he! he! he!