Sooner than
expose him to that, you would suffer a thousand stolen kisses,
wouldnt you?
MRS GEORGE [in utter consternation] You young viper!
HOTCHKISS. Ha ha! You are in my power. That is one of the
oversights of your code of honor for husbands: the man who can
bully them can insult their wives with impunity. Tell him if you
dare. If I choose to take ten kisses, how will you prevent me?
MRS GEORGE. You come within reach of me and I'll not leave a hair
on your head.
HOTCHKISS [catching her wrists dexterously] Ive got your hands.
MRS GEORGE. Youve not got my teeth. Let go; or I'll bite. I will,
I tell you. Let go.
HOTCHKISS. Bite away: I shall taste quite as nice as George.
MRS GEORGE. You beast. Let me go. Do you call yourself a
gentleman, to use your brute strength against a woman?
HOTCHKISS. You are stronger than me in every way but this. Do you
think I will give up my one advantage? Promise youll receive me
when I call this afternoon.
MRS GEORGE. After what youve just done? Not if it was to save my
life.
HOTCHKISS. I'll amuse George.
MRS GEORGE. He wont be in.
HOTCHKISS [taken aback] Do you mean that we should be alone?
MRS GEORGE [snatching away her hands triumphantly as his grasp
relaxes] Aha! Thats cooled you, has it?
HOTCHKISS [anxiously] When will George be at home?
MRS GEORGE.
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