< Page:Iolanthe lib.djvu 
 
        
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| Phyl. | I—I haven't quite decided. You see I have no mother to advise me! | 
| Streph. | No. I have. | 
| Phyl. | Yes; a young mother. | 
| Streph. | Not very—a couple of centuries or so. | 
| Phyl. | Oh! She wears well, | 
| Streph. | She does. She's a fairy. | 
| Phyl. | I beg your pardon—a what? | 
| Streph. | Oh, I've no longer any reason to conceal the fact—she's a fairy. | 
| Phyl. | A fairy! Well, but—that would account for a good many things! Then—I suppose you're a fairy? | 
| Streph. | I'm half a fairy. | 
| Phyl. | Which half? | 
| Streph. | The upper half—down to the waistcoat. | 
| Phyl. | Dear me (prodding him with her fingers). There is nothing to show it! But why didn't you tell me this before? | 
| Streph. | I thought you would take a dislike to me. But as it's all off, you may as well know the truth—I'm only half a mortal! | 
| Phyl. | (crying). But I'd rather have half a mortal I do love, than half a dozen I don't! | 
| Streph. | Oh, I think not—go to your half dozen. | 
| Phyl. | (crying). It's only two! and I hate 'em! Please forgive me! | 
| Streph. | I don't think I ought to. Besides, all sorts of difficulties will arise. You know, my grandmother looks quite as young as my mother. So do all my aunts. | 
| Phyl. | I quite understand. Whenever I see you kissing a very young lady, I shall know its an elderly relative. | 
| Streph. | You will? Then, Phyllis, I think we shall be very happy! (embracing her). | 
| Phyl. | We wont wait long. | 
| Streph. | No—we might change our minds. We'll get married first. | 
| Phyl. | And change our minds afterwards? | 
| Streph. | That's the usual course. | 
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