Maude (with dignity). I am, I am awfully fond of her–I've always been. But (cuttingly) affection doesn't blind me. I can love her and see her faults. Nobody ever called Valeria handsome.
Jack (hunting his place on the page). Maybe it was stunning.
Maude (with intense emphasis). Stunning!
Jack (turning the page with a prodigious rattling). Hal used to rave over her.
Maude O! Hal, he–don't rattle your paper so, you make me nervous! Hal didn't care for her.
Jack (absently). No, I suppose not, I suppose not. Of course, nobody could.
(Silence. Both read.)
Maude (intent on letter and all to herself). I wonder what she wore! She is too old for white. (reads aloud). "You'll be surprised, my dear." Yes, I confess I am. (gazing at coffee urn thoughtfully). Yes, I am. (resumes reading). Where was I? "I want to tell you first, dear." Here it is. So she did wear white–now, I am astonished. (reads on). For pity sakes! Jack
Jack (starts violently, crushing paper). A man might as well live on Vesuvius.
Maude (in great excitement). But, Jack, guess who married her.