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.
LADY FREDERICK.
[_With a look, aside to him._] Monster! [_Aloud._] Of course I can. I hadn't thought of that. [_She takes a sheet of paper._] But how on earth am I to get a stamp?
FOULDES.
[_Much amused._] I happen to have one on me.
LADY FREDERICK.
I wonder why on earth you should have English stamps in Monte Carlo?