H. (having read the letter—stiffly). Very elegant penmanship.
E. (surprised but indifferently). I had not thought of that. (A pause.)
H. (glancing at the letter again). I fancy the writer did.
E. (coldly). Possibly. (Aside.) Oh, why did I show it to him? I would not have believed he would be so hard. (Aloud.) Rather a forcible style, I think.
H. Stiff, rather than forcible, I would suggest.
E. (with suppressed feeling). Your criticisms are less pointed than usual. If you had said unnatural it might express your meaning still better.
H. (a little irritated). He is a fortunate man who is able to express himself with such justness and freedom from exaggeration.
E. It seemed to me exaggerated at the time.
H. (with mock admiration). Oh, how can you say so! It is positively Grandisonian—almost Chesterfieldian. (Aside.) And utterly detestable.
E. (almost with tears). I was wrong to fancy you would be interested in such a trifle. Please give it back.