should be more
cautious. I meant to say the time is getting on, _(points to
clock and crosses to couch--stands behind Ruby)_ and you have not
yet informed us of the "very solemn" something you have to say.

Plant. I accept your explanation--without prejudice. _(stands R.
of couch)_ I say when a man gets to my time of life--the future
happiness of his offspring becomes an all-engrossing theme. You
are aware that when exalted personages contemplate a matrimonial
alliance, they neyer look outside the family. Living as we do,
in so fashionable a resort as Southsea, we cannot be too
--er--"tony" in such important matters. Now you are both--as I
know, being your father--heart-free.

_(Pearl digs Ruby hard in the ribs.)_

Ruby. _(crying out)_ Oh!

Plant. How dare you interrupt me!

Ruby. I didn't, pa, it was----

Pearl. Sneak! _(pinching her arm)_ Ruby. It was nothing!

_(Pearl sits in big armchair.)_

_(aside to Pearl)_ Little cat!

Plant. I accept your explanation, without prejudice. You have
heard from that stupid Buttons what a noble character the doctor
bears, and no man is a hero to his--his Buttons. The _one_ thing
the doctor wants is a _wife._

Pearl. To look after his buttons?

Plant. Silence, miss! And you, my dear Ruby, my favourite, I mean
my first-born, have all the qualifications for a doctor's wife.

Ruby. A doctor's wife? _(looks at Pearl)_

Plant. It has always been the dream of my life to see you united
in matrimony to _dear_ Jack.

Ruby. _Cheap_ Jack! He hasn't a penny!

Plant. Oh hasn't he?--er--_(aside)_ Nearly let it out that time,
_(to her)_ I mean should he be clever enough to win my Ruby. my
Ruby mine--er--this afternoon, he will be rich beyond the dreams
of avarice. Alas, I have no dowry to give you, save the blessing
of your dear old--your dear fond, _fond_ father, _(kisses her
forehead)_ But only obey me in this, and Lady Fortune will smile
on us all--smile--_smile_.

Ruby. _(bursts into tears)_ I can't smile--I won't! _(turns to
Pearl)_

Pearl. _(comes to meet her--aside to her)_ Of course you
won't--I'll get you out of it.

Plant. _(angrily)_ Stop that silly crying. He'll be in soon, and
you look a perfect fright with your eyes all red. You've never
obeyed me in your life--either of you--but I've made up my mind
this time, and damme--I'll make you obey me. I swear _that dear
cousin Jack shall be my son-in-law._ _(crosses C.)_

Pearl. _(going quietly to him, standing bet