H. (politely, handing it to her). Not at all. Certainly, the writer deserves the lasting happiness he refers to. (Aside.) And I wish it were nothing to me—if he gets it or not.
E. What do you mean? Is this what I gave you? Oh, dear! (Much embarrassed.) It was the wrong one! Never mind. Here is your tea.
H. (takes the cup, after a short pause). I feel as if I had forced myself into your confidence.
E. You need not. It was my own stupidity, of course.
H. (tastes his tea). Might I see the other one?
E. Yes. (Gives it to him.)
H. (reads it while Esther watches him). Yes; well, I might have said more. But that was enough.
E. Yes, that was, as the children say, a great plenty. Oh, I neglected your tea! One lump, or two?
H. (thoughtfully). One. I wonder if it has?
E. What has?