What's her age? She looks young, but
they say it's the curls that does it.
DAVID [rather happily]. She's one of those women who are eternally
young.
JOHN. I can't take that for an answer.
DAVID. She's twenty-five.
JOHN. I'm just twenty-one.
JAMES. I read in a book that about four years' difference in the ages
is the ideal thing. [As usual he is disregarded.]
DAVID. Well, Mr. Shand?
JOHN [where is his mother?]. I'm willing if she's willing.
DAVID. Maggie?
MAGGIE. There can be no 'if' about it. It must be an offer.
JOHN. A Shand give a Wylie such a chance to humiliate him? Never.
MAGGIE. Then all is off.
DAVID. Come, come, Mr. Shand, it's just a form.
JOHN [reluctantly]. Miss Maggie, will you?
MAGGIE [doggedly]. Is it an offer?
JOHN [dourly]. Yes.
MAGGIE [rising]. Before I answer I want first to give you a chance of
drawing back.
DAVID. Maggie.
MAGGIE [bravely]. When they said that I have been run after they were
misleading you. I'm without charm; nobody has ever been after me.
JOHN. Oho!
ALICK. They will be yet.
JOHN [the innocent]. It shows at least that you haven't been after
them.
[His hosts exchange a self-conscious glance.]
MAGGIE. One thing more; David said I'm twenty-five, I'm twenty-six.
JOHN. Aha!
MAGGIE. Now be practical. Do you withdraw from the bargain, or do you
not?
JOHN [on reflection].
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