edward. I'm not to be caught.
alice. Edward, how rude you are. [She eats her nut contentedly.]
edward. Do other men propose to you?
alice. Such a thing may have happened . . when I was young. Perhaps it might even now if I were to allow it.
edward. You encourage me shamelessly.
alice. It isn't everyone who proposes on principle. As a rule a man does it because he can't help himself. And then to be said no to . . hurts.
They are interrupted by the sudden appearance of mrs. hugh voysey, a brisk, bright little woman, in an evening gown, which she has bullied a cheap dressmaker into making look exceedingly smart. beatrice is as hard as nails and as clever as paint. But if she keeps her feelings buried pretty deep it is because they are precious to her; and if she is impatient with fools it is because her own brains have had to win her everything in the world, so perhaps she does overvalue them a little. She speaks always with great decision and little effort.
beatrice. I believe I could write important business letters upon an island in the middle of Fleet Street. But while Booth is poking at a ventilator with a billiard cue . . no, I can't.
She goes to the fireplace, waving her half finished letter.