Lady Frederick
It appears to be a very delightful pastime to govern the British nation, dignified without being laborious.
Captain Montgomerie
Lady Frederick, although I've been in the service I have rather a good head for business, and I hate beating about the bush. I wanted to ask you to marry me.
Lady Frederick
It's nice of you not to make a fuss about it. I'm very much obliged but I'm afraid I can't.
Captain Montgomerie
Why not?
Lady Frederick
Well, you see, I don't know you.
Captain Montgomerie
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