Rachel [continuing conversation as the curtain goes up]. Don't you agree with what I'm saying? I'm sure men are like that. Will, do you mean to say you don't agree?
Carteret [absently, looking up and down columns of paper]. Yes, I daresay.
Rachel. I know quite well what it means when a man says in that way [imitating his tone]—'Yes, I daresay,' and goes on reading. It means you're not thinking of what I'm saying—you're thinking of nothing but the paper.
Carteret [still looking up and down the columns]. Well, there are very interesting things in the paper.
Rachel. Of course there are. And it's still more interesting trying to guess which of them are true. But still it is rather boring that you should be reading the newspaper while I'm talking.
Carteret. Oh? I thought you were talking while I was reading the newspaper.
Rachel. That is a one-sided view, I must say.
[Carteret smiles, shakes the ash off his cigarette, and goes on reading without speaking].
Rachel. It is a pity you don't enjoy my society, isn't it?
Carteret [smiling]. A great pity.