lucy. [Readily.] Don't you think I'm taking it in a way . . by marrying Walter? That's fanciful of course. But marriage is a very general and complete sort of partnership, isn't it? At least, I'd like to make mine so.
trebell. He'll be more under your thumb in some things if you leave him free in others.
She receives the sarcasm in all seriousness and then speaks to him as she would to a child.
lucy. Oh . . I'm not explaining what I mean quite well perhaps. Walter has been everywhere and done everything. He speaks three languages . . which all makes him an ideal private secretary.
trebell. Quite.
lucy. Do you think he'd develop into anything else . . but for me?
trebell. So I have provided just a first step, have I?
lucy. [With real enthusiasm.] Oh, Mr. Trebell, it's a great thing for us. There isn't anyone worth working under but you. You'll make him think and give him ideas instead of expecting them from him. But just for that reason he'd get so attached to you and be quite content to grow old in your shadow . . if it wasn't for me.
trebell. True . . I should encourage him in nothingness. What's more, I want extra brains and hands. It's not altogether a pleasant thing, is it . . the selfishness of the hard worked man?
lucy. If you don't grudge your own strength, why should you be tender of other people's?