Lucy. What's a woman to do? She must work through men, mustn't she?

Trebell. I'm told that's degrading ... the influencing of husbands and brothers and sons.

Lucy. [Only half humorously.] But what else is one to do with them? Of course, I've enough money to live on ... so I could take up some woman's profession ... What are you smiling at?

Trebell. [Who has smiled very broadly.] As you don't mean to ... don't stop while I tell you.

Lucy. But I'd sooner get married. I want to have children. [The words catch him and hold him. He looks at her reverently this time. She remembers she has transgressed convention; then, remembering that it is only convention, proceeds quite simply.] I hope we shall have children.

Trebell. I hope so.

Lucy. Thank you. That's the first kind thing you've said.

Trebell. Oh ... you can do without compliments, can't you?

She considers for a moment.

Lucy. Why have you been talking to me as if I were someone else?