ISOBEL. It has been published.
BLAYDS (wickedly). I told my son-in-law. Anything which I tell my son-in-law is published.
ISOBEL. I always say that father made it up.
BLAYDS. You didn’t know Jimmie, my dear. There was nothing he couldn’t have said. But a most stimulating companion.
ROYCE. Yes, he must have been.
BLAYDS. So was Alfred. He had a great sense of humour. All of us who knew him well knew that.
ROYCE. It is curious how many people nowadays regard Tennyson as something of a prig, with no sense of humour. I always feel that his association with [213]Queen Victoria had something to do with it. A Court poet is so very un-stimulating.
BLAYDS. I think you’re right. It was a pity. (He chuckles to himself. ROYCE waits expectantly.) I went to Court once.
ROYCE (surprised). You?
BLAYDS (nodding). Yes, I went to Osborne to see the Queen. Alfred’s doing I always suspected, but he wouldn’t own to it. (He chuckles.)