LILY. No—well—hardly ever. There’s always something to do. What a question!
CHARLEY. Don’t you ever get sick of it? It’s jolly hard work sometimes. [He takes her hands and looks at them, stroking them as if unconsciously.] Why they’re getting quite rough. [She pulls them away.]
LILY. It’s the washing, dear. It does roughen your hands.
CHARLEY. [taking them again and kissing them.] They weren’t rough when we married.
LILY. [she turns away.] You silly boy, of course they weren’t. I never did washing at home. What do you think, dear? Maggie is going to be married.
CHARLEY. [with little interest.] To Foster?
LILY. Yes. Isn’t she lucky? He’s quite well off.
CHARLEY. So she won’t do the washing. I shall never be rich.
LILY. You’ll be head clerk one of these days.
CHARLEY. One of these days!