CURT. Two? I knew he was to receive the Order of the Sword on his retirement. But what can the other one be?
ALICE. I am not very familiar with those things, but there was a white cross within a red one.
CURT. It is a Portuguese order then. Let me see—tell me, didn't his articles in that periodical deal with quarantine stations in Portuguese harbours?
ALICE. Yes, as far as I can recall.
CURT. And he has never been in Portugal?
ALICE. Never.
CURT. But I have been there.
ALICE. You shouldn't be so communicative. His ears and his memory are so good.
CURT. Don't you think Judith may have helped him to this honour?
ALICE. Well, I declare! There are limits—[rising] and you have passed them.