Only women unused to busy men would call him rude.

lucy. What I want to say is . . don't mind my being engaged to Walter. It shan't interfere with his work for you. If you want a proof that it shan't . . it was I got Aunt Julia to ask you to take him . . Though he didn't know . . so don't tell him that.

trebell. You weren't engaged then.

lucy. I . . thought that we might be.

trebell. [With cynical humour.] Which I'm not to tell him either?

lucy. Oh, that wouldn't matter.

trebell. [With decision.] I'll make sure you don't interfere.

lucy. [Deliberately . . not to be treated as a child.] You couldn't, you know, if I wanted to.

trebell. Why, is Walter a fool?

lucy. He's very fond of me, if that's what you mean?