"When you've quite finished," said Mathilda, "will you explain the exact nature of this treat you have in store for us, Paula? Are you going to read your own part, or is it to be a one-man show?"
"I shall let Willoughby read nearly all himself. He does it very well. I might do my big scene, perhaps."
"And you actually think, my poor, besotted wench, that this intellectual feast is going to soften your Uncle Nat's heart? Now it's my turn to enjoy a laugh!"
"He's got to back it!" Paula said fiercely. "It's the only thing I've ever wanted, and it would be too wickedly cruel not to do it for me!"
"I will lay you odds you're in for a disappointment, ducky. I don't wish to throw a damper on your girlish enthusiasm, but the moment doesn't seem to me propitious."
"It's all Stephen's fault for bringing that sickening blonde here!" Paula said. "Anyway, I've got Uncle Joe to put in a word for me."
"That'll help a lot," mocked Stephen. Just fancy!"
"Lay off Joe!" commanded Mathilda. "He may be God's own ass, but he's the only decent member of your family I've ever been privileged to meet. Besides, he likes you."
"Well, I don't like being liked," said Stephen.