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I know I did.
AGATHA POSKET.
Those were terrible words to address to a widow with a son of nineteen. [_CIS and MR. POSKET again reckon rapidly upon their fingers._] Don't count, aeneas, don't count! Those words tempted me. I glanced at my face in a neighbouring mirror, and I said "aeneas is fifty--why should I--a mere woman, compete with him on the question of age? He has already the advantage--I will be generous--I will add to it!" I led you to believe I had been married only fifteen years ago, I deceived you and my boy as to his real age, and I told you I was but one-and-thirty.
MR. POSKET.
It wasn't the truth?
AGATHA POSKET.
Ah! I merely lacked woman's commonest fault, exaggeration.
MR. POSKET.
But--Lukyn?
AGATHA POSKET.
Knows the real facts. I went to him last night to beg him not to disturb an arrangement which had brought happiness to all parties.
Look. In place of a wayward, troublesome child, I now present you with a youth old enough to be a joy, comfort, and support!
CIS.
Oh, I say, mater, this is a frightful sell for a fellow.
AGATHA POSKET.
Go to your room, sir.
CIS.
I always thought there was something wrong with me. Blessed if I'm not behind the age!
[_CIS goes out._
AGATHA POSKET.
Forgive me, aeneas. Look at my bonnet! A night in Mulberry Street, without even a powder-puff, is an awful expiation.
MR. POSKET.
Agatha! How do I know Cis won't be five-and twenty to-morrow?
AGATHA POSKET.
No--no--you know the worst, and as long as I live, I'll never deceive you again--except in little things.
_LUKYN and VALE enter._
LUKYN.
[_Boiling with rage._] By George, Posket!
MR. POSKET.
My dear Lukyn!
LUKYN.
Do you know I am a confounded jail-bird, sir?
MR. POSKET.
An accident!
LUKYN.
And do you know what has happened to me in jail--a soldier, sir--an officer?
MR. POSKET.
No!
LUKYN.
I have been washed by the authorities.
MR. POSKET.
Lukyn, no!
_CHARLOTTE has entered, and she rushes across to VALE._
CHARLOTTE.
Horace! Horace! Not you, too?
VALE.
By Jove, Charlotte, I would have died first.
_MR. BULLAMY enters quickly._
MR. BULLAMY.
Mr. Posket, I shall choke, sir! Inspector Messiter is downstairs and says that Isidore, the waiter, swears that you are the man who escaped from Meek Street last night.
LUKYN.
