AT THE SEASIDE CHURCH PARADE.
(A Conversation à la Mode.)
He. So very glad to see you. (Aside.) Hope she won't shut me up, she's so sharp!
She. Quite pleased to have met. (Aside.) Can't stand much of him, he's so stupid!
He. I suppose when you were in town you went to the Academy?
She. Yes, and saw all the pictures—and didn't like them.
He. And went to the Opera?
She. Yes, every night—and am tired of talking about it.
He. And of course you went to Henley?
She. Yes, and to the Eton and Harrow Match, and to Ascot, and to Wimbledon to see the Lawn Tennis finals.
He. But perhaps you never went to the House of Commons?
She. Oh, yes, I did—on the Terrace, and also to the Ladies' Gallery. The rows were most amusing—saw them all.
He. And did you go to many parties?
She. To every party of any consequence, and all the really nice dinners.
He. Were you at the Royal Wedding?
She. Oh, don't talk of that. The subject is quite exhausted. (After a pause.) Pray, have you no conversation?
He. Well, I don't know. I suppose you went to church this morning, and heard the Dean preach?
She. Oh, I really must beg your pardon. If you can't find anything better to talk about on a Sunday than the points of a sermon you had far better say nothing at all.
[Scene closes in upon an unbroken silence.