We could spend the beginning of our married life so usefully in making one another's acquaintance.
LADY FREDERICK.
It would be rather late in the day then to come to the conclusion that we couldn't bear the sight of one another.
CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.
Shall I send my banker's book so that you may see that my antecedents are respectable and my circumstances--such as to inspire affection.
LADY FREDERICK.
I have no doubt it would be very interesting--but not to me.
[_She makes as if to go._
CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.
Ah, don't go yet. Won't you give me some reason?
LADY FREDERICK.
If you insist. I'm not in the least in love with you.
CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.
D'you think that much matters?
LADY FREDERICK.
You're a friend of Gerald's, and he says you're a very good sort. But I really can't marry every one that Gerald rather likes.
CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.
He said he'd put in a good word for me.
LADY FREDERICK.
If I ever marry again it shall be to please myself, not to please my brother.
CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.
I hope I shall induce you to alter your mind.
LADY FREDERICK.
I'm afraid I can give you no hope of that.
CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.
You know, when I determine to do a thing, I generally do it.
LADY FREDERICK.
That sounds very like a threat.
CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.
You may take it as such if you please.
LADY FREDERICK.
And you've made up your mind that you're going to marry me?
CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.
Quite.
LADY FREDERICK.
Well, I've made up mine that you shan't. So we're quits.
CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.
Why don't you talk to your brother about it?
LADY FREDERICK.
Because it's no business of his.
CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.
Isn't it? Ask him!
LADY FREDERICK.
What do you mean by that?
CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.
Ask him? Good-night.
LADY FREDERICK.
Good-night. [_He goes out._ LADY FREDERICK _goes to the French window that leads to the terrace and calls_.] Gerald!
GERALD.
Hulloa!