(As Greatorex sidles cautiously further away.)
Jean (laughing in spite of herself). I can't believe women are so helpless when I see men so afraid of them.
Great. The great mistake was in teaching them to read and write.
Jean (over Miss Levering's shoulder, whispers). Say something.
Miss L. (to Greatorex, smiling). Oh no, that wasn't the worst mistake.
Great. Yes, it was.
Miss L. No. Believe me. The mistake was in letting women learn to talk.
Great. Ah! (Wheels about with sudden rapture.) I see now what's to be the next great reform.
Miss L. (holding up the little volume). When women are all dumb, no more discussions of the "Paradiso."