(Goes over to HILDA and looks over her shoulder.)
HILDA. Addington Symonds.
GIOCONDA.Any good?
HILDA.Why—gorgeous!
You ought to read it—all about the Borgias.
GIOCONDA. What are they? Oh, I see! I had enough
Up at the 'Varsity of that sort of stuff.
I say—oh, blast the thing, this pipe's a dud! (She puts the pipe on the table.)
HILDA. You smoke too much. They say it slows the blood,
And that you simply can't afford.(Pause.)
GIOCONDA.I say——
HILDA. Well, what?
GIOCONDA.You really look top-hole to-day.
HILDA. How nice! But flattery always was your wont.(Pause.)