LILY. That’s being out in the garden at all hours.

LESLIE. Don’t say that, Mrs. Wilson. Your husband wants to go as a farmer in the Colonies—and you’ll discourage him.

LILY. You silly man, Mr. Leslie. [To CHARLEY.] You must have something hot when you go to bed, dear.

LESLIE. I love being a little ill. My wife’s an awfully good nurse.

SYBIL. I believe you put it on sometimes, Mr. Leslie.

LESLIE. Well, do you know—I believe I do. Ladies won’t put their pretty fingers round your neck for nothing. But if you have a little hoarseness—not too much to be really unpleasant—or a headache is a very good thing—it is delightful—I always say to myself:

“O woman—in our hours of ease—

Uncertain, coy and hard to please,

When pain and anguish wring the brow,

A ministering angel thou.”