Then answers as he crosses to the windows]. The last I
heard about her was that she was married.
VERNON. Satisfactorily?
BENNET. Looking at it from her point of view--most satisfactorily.
VERNON [laughs]. But looking at it from his--more doubtful?
BENNET. She was not without her attractions. Her chief faults, I am
inclined to think, were those arising from want of discipline in
youth. I have hopes that it is not even yet too late to root out
from her nature the weeds of indiscretion.
VERNON. And you think he is the man to do it?
BENNET. Perhaps not. But fortunately there are those about her
fully alive to the duty devolving upon them.
VERNON. Um. Sounds a little bit like penal servitude for the poor
girl, the way you put it, Bennet.
BENNET. Even penal servitude may be a blessing, if it serves to
correct a stubborn spirit.
VERNON. We'll have to make you a J.P., Bennet. Must be jolly
careful I don't ever get tried before you. [Laughs.] Is that the
cart?
BENNET [he looks out through the window]. Yes, your lordship.
VERNON [he takes up his cap]. I may be bringing someone back with
me. [To Fanny, who throughout has remained seated.] Why not put on
your hat--come with me?
FANNY [she jumps up, delighted]. Shall I?
BENNET. Your ladyship is not forgetting that to-day is Wednesday?
FANNY. What's the odds. There's nobody to call. Everybody is still
in town.
BENNET. It has always been the custom of the Lady Bantocks, when in
residence, to be at home on Wednesdays.
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