It's very kind of you, Lady Frederick, but – well, I'm only a tradeswoman, you know.
Lady Frederick
A tradeswoman? How can you talk such nonsense. You are an artist – a real artist, my dear. And an artist is fit to meet a king.
Madame Claude
Well, I don't deny that I'd be ashamed to dress my customers in the gowns I see painted at the Royal Academy.
Lady Frederick
Then it's quite settled, isn't it, Madame Claude – oh, may I call you Ada?
Madame Claude
Oh, Lady Frederick, I should be very much flattered. But how did you know that was my name?
Lady Frederick
Why you wrote me a letter only the other day.
Madame Claude
Did I?
Lady Frederick
And such a cross letter too.
Madame Claude
[Apologetically.] Oh, but Lady Frederick, that was only in the way of business. I don't exactly remember what expressions I may have made use of —
Lady Frederick
[Interrupting, as if the truth had suddenly flashed across her.] Ada! I do believe you came here to-day about my account.
Madame Claude
Oh, no, my lady, I promise you.
Lady Frederick
You did; I know you did. I see it in your face. Now that really wasn't nice of you. I thought you came as a friend.
Madame Claude
I did, Lady Frederick.
Lady Frederick
No, you wanted to dun me. I'm disappointed in you. I did think, after all the things I've had from you, you wouldn't treat me like that.
Madame Claude
But I assure your ladyship…
Lady Frederick
Not another word. You came to ask for a cheque. You shall have it.
Madame Claude
No, Lady Frederick, I wouldn't take it.
Lady Frederick
What is the exact figure, Madame Claude?
Madame Claude
I – I don't remember.
Lady Frederick
Seven hundred and fifty pounds, seventeen and ninepence. You see, I remember. You came for your cheque and you shall have it.
[She sits down and takes a pen.
Madame Claude
Now, Lady Frederick, I should look upon that as most unkind. It's treating me like a very second-rate establishment.
Lady Frederick
I'm sorry, but you should have thought of that before. Now I haven't got a cheque; how tiresome.
Madame Claude
Oh, it doesn't matter, Lady Frederick. I promise you it never entered my 'ead.
Lady Frederick
What shall I do?
Fouldes
You can write it on a sheet of paper, you know.