JUDGE
And you, Lucy?
LUCY
[_with a nervous glance at JOHN_]
Absolutely.
JUDGE
[_to the lovers_]
There. You see?
[_ERNEST looks from one to the other in amazement._
HELEN
[_laughing_]
I don"t believe a word of it!
JUDGE
Why not? why not?
HELEN
Very well, then invite the whole family here next Sunday!
JUDGE
They"ll be here in an hour.
[_Points to tables._
HELEN _and_ ERNEST
[_recoiling_]
In an hour!
JUDGE
Yes, you are to begin your new life together this evening! Isn"t it lovely?
HELEN
[_gasping_]
But that"s so sudden. Why, we--we aren"t ready.
THEODORE
Just as ready as you"ll ever be.
JUDGE
Ernest"s vacation begins to-morrow--your honeymoon.
HELEN
But, don"t you see----
LUCY
Those new Paris clothes John gave you--your trousseau.
ERNEST
Well, but----
JUDGE
And this family gathering this evening, your--in a manner of speaking--wedding party. [_Waving aside all the lovers" objections._]
Now, it"s all fixed, let"s go and dress for the--as it were--ceremony.
ERNEST
[_blocks the way. Serious_]
Wait! Did I ever say I would not marry this woman?