make the discovery that you can be excessively—ahem!—unladylike.
Lady Flo: It's highly amusing to hear you express an opinion on the subject of how a lady should behave. When one remembers your sisters, one is inclined to believe you were not, perhaps, brought up in a school of the very highest standard.
Sir W.: You insult my sisters! (Becomes much excited and takes her by the arm.) Repeat that again!
Jem: "What is the matter?")
(Enter Jem. Stands in amazement.)
Jem: For Heaven's sake, what is the matter?
Sir W.: Ask your Aunt Florence, my dear boy.
Lady Flo: I feel positively ashamed that you should come upon us—upon your uncle, I mean—at a moment when he is behaving like a raving madman!
Jem: A raving madman! My uncle Jem!
Lady Flo: Man-like, you side with a man! (With increasing agitation) I have always known your uncle to be a weak, nerveless (Enter Kitty. Looks around, dumfounded.)
Kitty: Dear aunty! I'm frightened! You can't be well! What does this mean?
Lady Flo: Only that your husband inciting mine to be abusive.
Kitty: Impossible!
Lady Flo: Woman-like, you side with a man! Let me tell you that your poor uncle is pitiable in his foolishness this morning.
Sir W.: Florence! Once for all, I assert my authority. Be silent this moment, or I shall feel obliged to ask you to return home.
Lady Flo: Without you?
Sir W.: If that pleases you!
Lady Flo: It would suit me remarkably well.
Sir W.: In that case—"Go!"
Lady Flo: I shall, instantly; and when you desire to come home, I shall give the servants orders not to admit you
Sir W. (turning to Jem): A man not admitted to his own house! That's rather too good, isn't it, Jem?
Lady Flo: We shall see! (Turns to Kitty) Meanwhile, Kitty, I bid you good-bye.
Kitty: Oh! Aunty! You can't mean that! Pray don't say good-bye!
Lady Flo (dramatically): Yes, I mean "Good-bye"! (Brushes furiously past Sir William, and exit. Kitty makes movement to follow, but returns to Sir William and Jem.)
Sir W. (bitterly): Don't hold her back, Kitty.
Jem. You are mad!
Sir W.: Less mad than you, when an hour ago you told me you found life intolerable with Kitty.
Kitty (moved): He said that? Jem said that to you?
Jem: No, no! (Compunctious.)
Sir W.: Oh! It's an easy matter for two young people to kiss again with tears. 'Twill be a different matter between your aunt and me. Florence will have no chance, however much she may wish it. The time has come
