I agree to it, I said.
ETHEL [excited]. Then that must mean that you consent--
PIKE. It does--I give my consent to your marriage.
ETHEL [shocked and frightened]. You _do_?
PIKE. I place it in your hands.
HORACE [vehemently interrupting]. I protest against this. She's talking
like a romantic schoolgirl. And I for one won't bear it--and I won't
allow it!
ETHEL. Too late--he's consented.
[With a half-choked, sudden sob she runs into the hotel.]
HORACE [turning furiously on PIKE]. I tell you I shall not permit her to
throw herself away!
PIKE. Look here, who's the guardian of this girl?
HORACE. A magnificent guardian you are! You came here to protect her
from something you thought rotten; now we all know it's rotten, you hand
her over!
[Turns with a short, bitter laugh, walks up stage, then comes back.]
By Jove! I shouldn't be surprised if you consent to the settlement, too!
PIKE [solemnly]. My son, I shouldn't be surprised if I did.
HORACE. Is the world topsy-turvy? Have I gone crazy?
[With accusing finger pointed at PIKE.]
I'll bet my _soul_ that'll disgust her as much as it does me!
PIKE. My son, I shouldn't be surprised if it would.
HORACE [staring at him]. By the Lord, but you play a queer game, Mr.
Pike!
PIKE. Oh, I'm jest crossing the Rubicon.
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