Ethel. Good gracious. [Laughs.] I assure you I haven't any taste. [Ethel down centre. Fanshaw rises.
Fanshaw. No, not a bit. [Goes back of sofa and up to table. Ethel up stage by table.
Ethel. How many presents did Marion get, anyway? [Looking among the things on the table.
Mrs. Lorrimer. I don't know. [Satirically.] I didn't count them.
Ethel. I don't believe she got very many—Marion has always taken up so many poor people. I'm sure I never can tell what she sees in them! [Ethel crosses right of table.
Mrs. Lorrimer. Oh, yes, Ethel, I know how you choose your friends. The other day I heard you were running after the Lloyds—that settles it, I said—they are either going to have a box at the Opera this year, or give a series of dinners, or a big ball. Ethel knows what she's about.
Fanshaw. Exactly—Ethel knows her business, but you left out one thing—they have the best cook in town, too.
Ethel. [Taking up a box with a large silver fish knife in it.] Who gave her this fish knife?
Mrs. Lorrimer. The Conrads, didn't they.... [Ethel bursts out laughing.
Ethel. Ha! ha! ha! If that isn't appropriate! You know the old man Conrad made all his money out of imitation sardines!