Not at all. The
great thing is, 'I've got 'em, I've got 'em.'
LORD LOAM (majestically, but with a knowing look at his daughters).
My reason is that, as head of our little party, you, Ernest, shall
be our hunter, you shall clear the forests of those savage beasts
that make them so dangerous. (Pleasantly.) And now you know, my dear
nephew, why I have given you my boots.
ERNEST. This is my answer.
(He kicks off the boots.)
LADY MARY (still anxious). Father, assert yourself.
LORD LOAM. I shall now assert myself. (But how to do it? He has a
happy thought.) Call Crichton.
LADY MARY. Oh father.
(CRICHTON comes in answer to a summons, and is followed by
TREHERNE.)
ERNEST (wondering a little at LADY MARY'S grave face). Crichton,
look here.
LORD LOAM (sturdily). Silence! Crichton, I want your advice as to
what I ought to do with Mr. Ernest. He has defied me.
ERNEST. Pooh!
CRICHTON (after considering). May I speak openly, my lord?
LADY MARY (keeping her eyes fixed on him).
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