Pascoe. So it's true Mr. Carve never comes to England?
Carve. Why should he come to England? He isn't a portrait painter. It's true he owns this house, but surely that isn't sufficient excuse for living in a place like England?
Pascoe. Of course, if you look at it like that, there's no particular attractiveness in England that I've ever seen. But that answer wouldn't satisfy Redcliffe Gardens. Redcliffe Gardens
[26]is persuaded that there must be a special reason.
Carve. Well, there is.
Pascoe. (Interested, in spite of himself.) Indeed!
Carve. (Confidentially.) Have a cigarette? (Offering case.)
Pascoe. (Staggered anew, but accepting.) That's a swagger case.
Carve. Oh! (Calmly.) He gave it me.
Pascoe. Really?