< Page:Iolanthe lib.djvu
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34
Phyl. | I—I haven't quite decided. You see I have no mother to advise me! |
Streph. | No. I have. |
Phyl. | Yes; a young mother. |
Streph. | Not very—a couple of centuries or so. |
Phyl. | Oh! She wears well, |
Streph. | She does. She's a fairy. |
Phyl. | I beg your pardon—a what? |
Streph. | Oh, I've no longer any reason to conceal the fact—she's a fairy. |
Phyl. | A fairy! Well, but—that would account for a good many things! Then—I suppose you're a fairy? |
Streph. | I'm half a fairy. |
Phyl. | Which half? |
Streph. | The upper half—down to the waistcoat. |
Phyl. | Dear me (prodding him with her fingers). There is nothing to show it! But why didn't you tell me this before? |
Streph. | I thought you would take a dislike to me. But as it's all off, you may as well know the truth—I'm only half a mortal! |
Phyl. | (crying). But I'd rather have half a mortal I do love, than half a dozen I don't! |
Streph. | Oh, I think not—go to your half dozen. |
Phyl. | (crying). It's only two! and I hate 'em! Please forgive me! |
Streph. | I don't think I ought to. Besides, all sorts of difficulties will arise. You know, my grandmother looks quite as young as my mother. So do all my aunts. |
Phyl. | I quite understand. Whenever I see you kissing a very young lady, I shall know its an elderly relative. |
Streph. | You will? Then, Phyllis, I think we shall be very happy! (embracing her). |
Phyl. | We wont wait long. |
Streph. | No—we might change our minds. We'll get married first. |
Phyl. | And change our minds afterwards? |
Streph. | That's the usual course. |
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