Amy O'Connell. [Grimacing sweetly, her eyes only half lifted.] Does he? I'm glad that I don't understand him.

Frances Trebell. [Putting mere prettiness in its place.] One may prefer Chopin when one is young.

Amy O'Connell. And is that a reproach or a compliment?

Walter Kent. [Boldly.] I do.

Frances Trebell. Or a man may ... unless he's a philosopher.

Lady Davenport. [To the rescue.] Miss Trebell, you're very hard on mere humanity.

Frances Trebell. [Completing the reproof.] That's my wretched training as a schoolmistress, Lady Davenport ... one grew to fear it above all things.

Lucy Davenport. [Throwing in the monosyllable with sharp youthful enquiry.] Why?

Frances Trebell. There were no text books on the subject.

Mrs. Farrant. [Smiling at her friend.] Yes, Fanny ... I think you escaped to look after your brother only just in time.