mrs. o'connell, growing restless, has wandered round the room picking at the books in their cases.
amy o'connell. I always like your books, Julia. It's an intellectual distinction to know someone who has read them.
mrs. farrant. That's the Communion I choose.
frances trebell. Aristocrat . . fastidious aristocrat.
mrs. farrant. No, now. Learning's a great leveller.
frances trebell. But Julia . . books are quite unreal. D'you think life is a bit like them?
mrs. farrant. They bring me into touch with . . Oh, there's nothing more deadening than to be boxed into a set in Society! Speak to a woman outside it . . she doesn't understand your language.
frances trebell. And do you think by prattling Hegel with Gilbert Wedgecroft when he comes to physic you—
mrs. farrant. [Joyously.] Excellent physic that is. He never leaves a prescription.
lady davenport. Don't you think an aristocracy of brains is the best aristocracy, Miss Trebell?