(Sakari has been lingering by table, waiting for tea and pattering with Margaret, Chalmers, etc.)
Margaret
(Handing cup to Sakari.) I am very timid in offering you this, for I am sure you must be appalled by our barbarous methods of making tea.
Sakari
(Bowing.) It is true, your American tea, and the tea of the English, are quite radically different from the tea in my country. But one learns, you know. I served my apprenticeship to American tea long years ago, when I was at Yale. It was perplexing, I assure you—at first, only at first I really believe that I am beginning to have a—how shall I call it?—a tolerance for tea in your fashion.
Margaret
You are very kind in overlooking our shortcomings.
Sakari
(Bowing.) On the contrary, I am unaware, always unaware, of any shortcomings of this marvelous country of yours.
Margaret