Mar.
Des.
Mar.
Des.
Mar.
Des.
Des.
Mar.
Des.
Mar.
Des.
Mar.
Des.
I was once an exceedingly odd young lady—
Suffering much from spleen and vapours.
Clergymen thought my conduct shady—
She didn't spend much upon linen-drapers.
It certainly entertained the gapers.
My ways were strange
Beyond all range—
Paragraphs got into all the papers.
[Dance.
We only cut respectable capers.
I've given up all my wild proceedings.
My taste for a wandering life is waning.
Now I'm a dab at penny readings.
They are not remarkably entertaining.
A moderate livelihood we're gaining.
In fact we rule
A National school.
The duties are dull, but I'm not complaining.
[Dance.
This sort of thing takes a deal of training!
Des. We have been married a week.
Mar. One happy, happy week!
Des. Our new life—
Mar. Is delightful indeed!
Des. So calm!
Mar. So unimpassioned! [Wildly.] Master, all this I owe to you! See, I am no longer wild and untidy. My hair is combed. My face is washed. My boots fit!
Des. Margaret, don't. Pray restrain yourself. Remember, you are now a district visitor.
Mar. A gentle district visitor!
Des. You are orderly, methodical, neat; you have your emotions well under control.
Mar. I have! [Wildly.] Master, when I think of all you have done for me, I fall at your feet. I embrace your ankles. I hug your knees! [Doing so.
Des. Hush. This is not well. This is calculated to provoke remark. Be composed, I beg!
Mar. Ah! you are angry with poor little Mad Margaret!
