The Sentimentalists 
Between your vision of Life’s aim, and theirs, 
Who presently will question me, I cling 
To theirs as light: and yours I deem a den 
Where souls can have no growth. 
Home. But when we touched 
The point of hand-pressings, ’twas rightly time 
To think of wedding ties? 
Astrcea. Arden, adieu! (she rushes into the house). 
SCENE VIII 
Arden , Homeware. 
Arden. Adieu! she said. With her that word is final. 
Home. Strange! how young people blowing words like clouds 
On winds, now fair, now foul, and as they please, 
Should still attach the Fates to thefn. 
Arden. She’s wounded: 
Wounded to the. quick! 
Home. The quicker our success: for short 
Of that, these dames, who feel for everything, 
Feel nothing. 
Arden. Your intention has been kind, 
Dear sir, but you have ruined me. 
Home. Good-night (going). 
Arden. Yet she said, we are lost, in her surprise. 
Home. Good-morning (returning). 
Arden. I suppose that I am bound 
(If I could see for what I should be glad!) 
To thank you, sir. 
Home. Look hard but give no thanks. 
I found my girl descending on the road 
Of breakneck coquetry, and barred her way. 
Either she leaps the bar, or she must back. 
That means she marries you, or says good-bye (going again). 
Arden. Now she’s among them (looking at window). 
Home. 'Now she sees her mind. 
Arden. It is my destiny she now decides! 
Home. There’s now suspense on earth and round the spheres. 
Arden. She’s mine now: mine! or I am doomed to go. 
Home. The marriage ring, or the portmanteau now! 
Arden. Laugh as you like, sir! I am not ashamed 
To love and own it. 
Home. So the symptoms show. 
Rightly, young man, and proving a good breed. 
To further it’s a duty to mankind 
And I have lent my push. But recollect: 
Old Ilion was not conquered in a day (he enters house). 
Arden. Ten years! If I may win her at the end! 
CURTAIN 
