JOHN

[_also overrides HELEN_]

Of course! One of the finest fellows in the world.

THEODORE

[_delighted_]

And withal he has a deep religious nature. Congratulations. My dear, he'll make an ideal husband.

[_Takes both HELEN'S hands, about to kiss her._

HELEN

[_can't help smiling_]

Thank you, cousin, but I don't want a husband.

[_A sudden silence._

THEODORE

[_looks from one to the other_]

A lover's quarrel?--already!

JUDGE

[_enjoying it_]

No, Theodore, these lovers are in perfect accord. They both have conscientious scruples against marriage.

JOHN

Conscientious!

JUDGE

So they are simply going to set up housekeeping without the mere formality of a wedding ceremony.

[_THEODORE drops HELEN'S hands._

HELEN

[_quietly_]

We are going to do nothing of the sort.

THEODORE

Uncle Everett!

[_Takes her hands again._

HELEN

We are not going to set up housekeeping at all. He will keep his present quarters and I mine.

JOHN

But they are going to belong to each other.

THEODORE

[_drops HELEN'S hands--aghast_]

I don't believe it.

JUDGE

[_apart to THEODORE_]

The strike against marriage. It was bound to come.

THEODORE

[_to JUDGE_]

But Church and State--[_indicates self and JUDGE_] must break this strike.

HELEN