Oh, I know. Whenever I want to soften the hard heart of a creditor I clap on every bit I've got. But I don't think I will to-day. I'll tell you what, a temple curl would just fit the case.
Maid
Then her ladyship inclines to comedy. Very well, I say no more.
[Lady Frederick takes two temple-curls from the drawer.
Lady Frederick
Aren't they dears?
Mereston
Yes.
Lady Frederick
You've admired them very often, Charlie, haven't you? I suppose you never knew they cost a guinea each?
Mereston
It never occurred to me they were false.
Lady Frederick
The masculine intelligence is so gross. Didn't your mother tell you?
Mereston
My mother told me a great deal.
Lady Frederick
I expect she overdid it. There. Now that's done. D'you think it looks nice?
Mereston
Charming.
Lady Frederick
Angélique, his lordship is satisfied. You may disappear.
Maid
Yes, miladi.
[She goes.
Lady Frederick
Now, tell me you think I'm the most ravishing creature you ever saw in your life.
Mereston
I've told you that so often.
Lady Frederick
[Stretching out her hands.] You are a nice boy. It was charming of you to say – what you did yesterday. I could have hugged you there and then.
Mereston
Could you?
Lady Frederick
Oh, my dear, don't be so cold.
Mereston
I'm very sorry, I didn't mean to be.
Lady Frederick
Haven't you got anything nice to say to me at all?
Mereston
I don't know what I can say that I've not said a thousand times already.
Lady Frederick
Tell me what you thought of all night when you tossed on that sleepless pillow of yours.
Mereston
I was awfully anxious to see you again.
Lady Frederick
Didn't you have a dreadful fear that I shouldn't be as nice as you imagined? Now, come – honestly.
Mereston
Well, yes, I suppose it crossed my mind.
Lady Frederick