Broadbent [patting her].  Yes, yes, of course, Nora Creena, Nora acushla [he makes cush rhyme to plush].

Nora.  Acushla [she makes cush rhyme to bush].

Broadbent.  Oh, confound the language!  Nora darling—­my Nora—­the
Nora I love—­

Nora [shocked into propriety].  You mustn’t talk like that to me.

Broadbent [suddenly becoming prodigiously solemn and letting her go].  No, of course not.  I don’t mean it—­at least I do mean it; but I know it’s premature.  I had no right to take advantage of your being a little upset; but I lost my self-control for a moment.

Nora [wondering at him].  I think you’re a very kindhearted man, Mr Broadbent; but you seem to me to have no self-control at all [she turns her face away with a keen pang of shame and adds] no more than myself.

Broadbent [resolutely].  Oh yes, I have:  you should see me when I am really roused:  then I have tremendous self-control.  Remember:  we have been alone together only once before; and then, I regret to say, I was in a disgusting state.

Nora.  Ah no, Mr Broadbent:  you weren’t disgusting.

Broadbent [mercilessly].  Yes I was:  nothing can excuse it:  perfectly beastly.  It must have made a most unfavorable impression on you.

Nora.  Oh, sure it’s all right.  Say no more about that.

Broadbent.  I must, Miss Reilly:  it is my duty.  I shall not detain you long.  May I ask you to sit down. [He indicates her chair with oppressive solemnity.  She sits down wondering.  He then, with the same portentous gravity, places a chair for himself near her; sits down; and proceeds to explain].  First, Miss Reilly, may I say that I have tasted nothing of an alcoholic nature today.

Nora.  It doesn’t seem to make as much difference in you as it would in an Irishman, somehow.

Broadbent.  Perhaps not.  Perhaps not.  I never quite lose myself.

Nora [consolingly].  Well, anyhow, you’re all right now.

Broadbent [fervently].  Thank you, Miss Reilly:  I am.  Now we shall get along. [Tenderly, lowering his voice] Nora:  I was in earnest last night. [Nora moves as if to rise].  No:  one moment.  You must not think I am going to press you for an answer before you have known me for 24 hours.  I am a reasonable man, I hope; and I am prepared to wait as long as you like, provided you will give me some small assurance that the answer will not be unfavorable.

Nora.  How could I go back from it if I did?  I sometimes think you’re not quite right in your head, Mr Broadbent, you say such funny things.

Broadbent.  Yes:  I know I have a strong sense of humor which sometimes makes people doubt whether I am quite serious.  That is why I have always thought I should like to marry an Irishwoman.  She would always understand my jokes.  For instance, you would understand them, eh?