It's time someone did.

COLONEL.

A sort of Vigilance Committee, eh?

ENID.

I simply take the interest of a friend in Agnes.

COLONEL.

And what is the result of your observations?

ENID.

I have come to a terrible conclusion.

COLONEL.

You alarm me!

ENID.

That she is a poor, tempted creature.

COLONEL.

Bless me! I never regarded her in that light before. I thought the boot was on the other leg. [_Corrects himself hurriedly._]

Foot!--foot! [_Indicating ENID'S, which she is carefully showing; aside._] Very neat foot she has!

ENID.

Men always stand by one another, so should women. Agnes must be protected against herself!

COLONEL.

Then it's herself, after all? I thought you meant my nephew.

ENID.

So I do. She is the moth--he is the candle.

COLONEL.

Really!----

ENID.

Oh, you men, you men! You're all alike--at least, I won't say all!

COLONEL.

Say all, say all! It really doesn't matter!

ENID.

No, no, I won't say all!

COLONEL.

You say so in your book!

ENID [_pleased_].

You've read my book?

COLONEL [_evading the question_].

"Man, the Betrayer?"

ENID.

Well, you know, Colonel, one has to paint with a broad brush.

[_Pantomime._

COLONEL.

Yes, when one paints with tar! [_Aside._] Very nice arm, too!

[_Aloud._] Look at your t.i.tle!

ENID.

"Man, the Betrayer!"

COLONEL [_aside_].

Don't know any more!

ENID.

A mere figure of speech!

COLONEL [_admiring her_].

Figure?

ENID.