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