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.
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.