"I won't criticise it if it was a first attempt. But in telling a lie, my child, it's as well to select one that bears some resemblance to the truth. Do I look like a man who comes on business?"
"You will go before he comes, won't you?"
"No, I don't think I will."
"You have nothing," she said, "to gain by staying."
"I suppose you think you have everything to gain by my going?"
"Oh, Wilfrid, give me my chance."
"I'm giving you your chance, you little fool. I wouldn't produce that pocket-handkerchief if I were you. It's quite the most damaging thing about you."
She gave a hysterical laugh, and put the pocket-handkerchief away.
"You are utterly unfit," he commented, "to manage your own affairs."
They sat silent, while the clock ticked out the last minutes of her torture.