“I’m afraid you’d tell me.”

“Iwill anyway. I never know when to hold my tongue. I shall need an amanuensis when I do some serious work. In fact, I’ll break you in on my play for Drury Lane. No, seriously…“

“Now Allan Merri man,you too must live up to your name. Don’t turn serious on me.”

“But I want to tell you the other half a reason. I love you, Prudence.”

“If you ever stop, I’ll spill ink all over your manuscripts. You see how conniving and managing I mean to be. I’ll keep you under cat’s paw.”

“The very way to deal with me. Prudent. You are well-named.”