There is a slight pause in their talk. By some not very devious route mrs. farrant's mind travels to the next subject.
mrs. farrant. Fanny . . how fond are you of Amy O'Connell?
frances trebell. She says we're great friends.
mrs. farrant. She says that of me.
frances trebell. It's a pity about her husband.
mrs. farrant. [Almost provokingly.] What about him?
frances trebell. It seems to be understood that he treats her badly.
lady davenport. [A little malicious.] Is there any particular reason he should treat her well?
frances trebell. Don't you like her, Lady Davenport?