It is better than proposing to her at a ball as
some young people do, carried away suddenly by a snatched kiss in the
moonlight.
GERVASE (shaking his head). Nothing like that happened last night.
SUSAN. What does the Great Alfred say of the kiss?
GERVASE. I never read the _Daily Mail_.
SUSAN. Tennyson, Mr. Mallory, Tennyson.
GERVASE. Oh, I beg your pardon.
SUSAN. "The kiss," says the Great Alfred, "the woven arms, seem but to
be weak symbols of the settled bliss, the comfort, I have found in
thee." The same idea, Mr. Mallory. Companionship, or the art of having
breakfast with a person. (Getting up) Well, I must be moving on. _We_
have been companions for a short time; I thank you for it. I wish you
well.
GERVASE (getting up). I say, I've been awfully glad to meet you. And I
shall never forget the breakfast you gave me.
SUSAN. It is friendly of you to say so.
GERVASE (hesitatingly). You won't mind my having another one when
Ernest comes back--I mean, if Ernest comes back? You won't think I'm
slighting yours in any way? But after an outdoor bathe, you know, one
does----
SUSAN. Please! I am happy to think you have such an appetite.
GERVASE (holding out his hand). Well, good-bye, Mr.
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