lady davenport. It's a pretty thing to watch young people mating. When they're older and marry from disappointment or deliberate choice, thinking themselves so worldly-wise . .
mrs. farrant. [Back to her politely cynical mood.] Well . . then at least they don't develop their differences at the same fire-side, regretting the happy time when neither possessed any character at all.
lady davenport. [Giving a final douche of common sense.] My dear, any two reasonable people ought to be able to live together.
frances trebell. Granted three sitting rooms. That'll be the next middle-class political cry . . when women are heard.
mrs. farrant. [Suddenly as practical as her mother.] Walter's lucky . . Lucy won't stand any nonsense. She'll have him in the Cabinet by the time he's fifty.
lady davenport. And are you the power behind your brother, Miss Trebell?
frances trebell. [Gravely.] He ignores women. I've forced enough good manners on him to disguise the fact decently. His affections are two generations ahead.
mrs. farrant. People like him in an odd sort of way.
frances trebell. That's just respect for work done . . one can't escape from it.