(Jack looks over top of paper absently, then resumes reading.)
Maude (explosively). Jack, what do you think? Only fancy–Valeria is–Jack, listen! Put down your horrid paper! Valeria is married.
(He looks at her vacantly.)
Jack Well?
Maude Well? Listen: Valeria is married.
Jack (waking to the situation). Is that so! Valeria–well, well. I'm not astonished.
Maude (pensively). Why not?
Jack (at a venture). O, because–she is so–so handsome.
Maude (scornfully). She isn't handsome! Where are your eyes? She's clever–clever, that's what Valeria is. But not handsome,–certainly not. She squints.
Jack (staring). I thought you were so fond of her.