STREPHON—Think of the difficulties. My grandmother looks quite as young as my mother. So do all my aunts.
PHYLLIS—Then, if I catch you kissing the chambermaid, I shall know she 's only a relative in disguise.
STREPHON—In that case, I will forgive you.
PHYLLIS—Then we will be married at once. I will attend to the fairies afterward. But how about your mother?
IOLANTHE—(Entering.)—The old lady is here, and blesses you, my children,—or words to that effect.
STREPHON—But how about her guardian?
IOLANTHE—There is but one thing to do. I have been married to him for some years now. He is Strephon's father.
STREPHON—At last! I am a wise child.
IOLANTHE—And being his wife, I will assume my domestic duties. Have you a club handy?
COUNSELOR—(Enters jubilant)—It 's settled! Victory! victory! I put the case plainly to myself, although I must confess that when I addressed so important a personage as the legal adviser of the Chicago & Alton Railroad, I did so with many feelings of doubt in my mind. However, I took courage and pleaded my cause well. I said to myself, with the respect with which I always address myself, you are the legal adviser of the greatest railroad in the country, and, as such, you should not hesitate to exercise your droits de seigneur and take the girl from all competitors. I was bound to admit the force of my own argument, and so won my case. I shall marry the girl without delay. There is nothing to stand in the way.
IOLANTHE—(Comes down.)— Excepting a mere trifle.
COUNSELOR—And that is—but who are you? (Starts.) Ah! Thou livest, Iolanthe?
IOLANTHE—Never say die is the motto of the Alton Line. (She falls into his arms.)
QUEEN—(Iolanthe kneels to her.)—
Once more thy vows are broken.
The Fates thy doom has spoken. (Enter Everybody.)
