Link. You don't understand me, I'm afraid?
Sophia. No.
(Link sings again.)
Then I will try, and try again,
Until I make my meaning plain.
Yes is an easy word to spell—
Tm sure that you would do it well.
Suppose you write down y—e—s
On paper, ranging them just so;
Tm sure the word they make you'll guess.
Pronounce it now—they make a
Link. By no manner of means; that's not the word they make. You don't seem to understand me yet?
Sophia. No.
(Link sings again.)
Sophia, dear, why will you grieve
Your lover so? I can't believe
You are so dull of comprehension;
To tease me must be your intention.
But pray, put coquetry apart.
And don’t pretend to be so slow;
I’m sure you know the word by heart—
Come y—e—s will make a
Link. Do you seriously mean to assert that the letters y— e—s spell no f
Sophia (sneeringly). No.
Link. Ah, very well; you do understand spelling, then, I see. But how am I to understand you? You are silent. Did you mean no as an answer to my question? Will you not have me?
Sophia. No.
Link. On no account?
Sophia. No.
Link. Really, this is very delightful. But pray, give me some reason—some cause for your refusal?
Sophia (decidedly). No.
Link. You speak as if my feelings were of no consequence. I don't know why you should treat me in this way. Please, miss, answer me once for all. Do—you—not—like me?
Sophia. No—no—no—no—no! (She runs into her apartment.)
Link. The deuce take the girl! But she's an idiot, a downright idiot. I shall waste ho more words upon her.
When the uncle enters, Link complains to him of his niece's conduct; and old Gamstrup, suspecting that Hammer has something to do with it, and seeing him approaching, orders Sophia to answer nothing but no to him, and retires with Link to listen. Hammer comes in, and fancying Sophia alone, addresses her:
Now I can speak out openly. May I dare to hope that we understand each other? That you know my sentiments, 1 cannot doubt. But I, Sophia, can I have misunderstood yours?
Sophia (tenderly). No.
Hammer. Oh, then I am the happiest fellow on earth! You love no one else?
Sophia. No.
