Flora. Well, my dear, in one way I could cry my eyes out, but in another I am rather uplifted when I think of what Mr. Frampington has saved us from.
Mrs. R. Haslam. Saved you from! (Very courteously and quietly.) Really, I should have thought that any woman would have been more than a little flattered at the prospect of marrying into the Haslam family, of being the wife of Cedric. No house in London is more sought after than ours. It isn't too much to say that Cedric is now one of the most celebrated men in England——
Cedric. (Crossly.) Look here, mater—— (He keeps his head down; he is still playing with the object on the table.)
Mr. R. Haslam. (Sharply.) Cedric! (Mrs. Reach Haslam looks at her husband, as if expecting him majestically to reprove his son.) I wish you'd play with something else for a change.
Mrs. R. Haslam. I speak kindly, but I speak plainly, and I'm not ashamed of doing so. I say one of the most celebrated men in England. Indeed, it wouldn't surprise me to learn that among the masses of the people Cedric is better known even than I am myself.
Cedric. Mater, I'm off!
Mr. R. Haslam. (Severely to him.) You'll kindly stay where you are. There are times when one ought to be frank. (Still very courteously and quietly to Flora.) You know I was not at first altogether in favour of this marriage—not what could be described as uncontrollably enthusiastic about it. I have appreciated your excellent qualities, but——
Flora. (Smiling.) Please don't expose me. Comfort yourself with the thought of what Mr. Frampington has saved you from.
(Mr. Reach Haslam rises softly and goes towards door, back.)