Oh, my dear, don't go in for self-sacrifice. You must leave that to women. They're so much more used to it.
MERESTON.
Isn't there anything I can do for you?
LADY FREDERICK.
No, dear. I shall get out of the mess somehow. I always do. You really need not worry about me.
MERESTON.
You know, you _are_ a brick.
LADY FREDERICK.
Then it's all settled, isn't it? And you're not going to be unhappy?
MERESTON.
I'll try not to be.
LADY FREDERICK.
I'd like to imprint a chaste kiss on your forehead, only I'm afraid it would leave a mark.
[_The_ FOOTMAN _comes in and announces_ PARADINE FOULDES.
FOOTMAN.
Mr. Paradine Fouldes.
[_Exit._
FOULDES.
Do I disturb?
LADY FREDERICK.
Not at all. We've just finished our conversation.
FOULDES.
Well?
MERESTON.
If any one wants to know who the best woman in the world is send 'em to me, and I'll tell them.
LADY FREDERICK.
[_Taking his hand._] You dear! Good-bye.
MERESTON.
Good-bye. And thanks for being so kind to me.
[_He goes out._
FOULDES.
Do I see in front of me my prospective niece?
LADY FREDERICK.
Why d'you ask, Uncle Paradine?
FOULDES.
Singularly enough because I want to know.
LADY FREDERICK.
Well, it so happens--you don't.
FOULDES.
You've refused him?
LADY FREDERICK.
I have.
FOULDES.
Then will you tell me why you've been leading us all such a devil of a dance?
LADY FREDERICK.
Because you interfered with me, and I allow no one to do that.
FOULDES.
Hoity-toity.
LADY FREDERICK.
You weren't really so foolish as to imagine I should marry a boy who set me up on a pedestal and vowed he was unworthy to kiss the hem of my garment?