LADY FREDERICK.
I daresay you've noticed that Charlie has a very keen sense of humour.
FOULDES.
If you're going to be disagreeable to me I shall go. [_He stops._] I say, are you quite sure there's nothing else that can be brought up against you?
LADY FREDERICK.
[_Laughing._] Quite sure, thanks.
FOULDES.
My sister's very jubilant to-day. What about the Bellingham affair?
LADY FREDERICK.
Merely scandal, my friend.
FOULDES.
Well, look out. She's a woman, and she'll stick at nothing.
LADY FREDERICK.
I wonder why you warn me.
FOULDES.
For the sake of old times, my dear.
LADY FREDERICK.
You're growing sentimental, Paradine. It's the punishment which the gods inflict on a cynic when he grows old.
FOULDES.
It may be, but for the life of me I can't forget that once----
LADY FREDERICK.
[_Interrupting._] My dear friend, don't rake up my lamentable past.
FOULDES.
I don't think I've met any one so entirely devoid of sentiment as you are.
LADY FREDERICK.
Let us agree that I have every vice under the sun and have done with it.
[_A_ SERVANT _comes in_.]
SERVANT.
Madame Claude wishes to see your ladyship.
LADY FREDERICK.
Oh, my dressmaker.
FOULDES.
Another bill?
LADY FREDERICK.
That's the worst of Monte. One meets as many creditors as in Bond Street. Say I'm engaged.
SERVANT.
Madame Claude says she will wait till miladi is free.
FOULDES.
You make a mistake. One should always be polite to people whose bills one can't pay.
LADY FREDERICK.
Show her in.
SERVANT.
Yes, miladi.
[_Exit_ SERVANT.
FOULDES.
Is it a big one?
LADY FREDERICK.
Oh, no; only seven hundred pounds.
FOULDES.
By Jove.