lord caversham. Oh, damn sympathy. There is a great deal too much of that sort of thing going on nowadays.
lord goring. I quite agree with you, father. If there was less sympathy in the world there would be less trouble in the world.
lord caversham. [Going towards the smoking-room.] That is a paradox, sir. I hate paradoxes.
lord goring. So do I, father. Everybody one meets is a paradox nowadays. It is a great bore. It makes society so obvious.
lord caversham. [Turning round, and looking at his son beneath his bushy eyebrows.] Do you always really understand what you say, sir?
lord goring. [After some hesitation.] Yes, father, if I listen attentively.
lord caversham. [Indignantly.] If you listen attentively! . . . Conceited young puppy!
[Goes off grumbling into the smoking-room. phipps enters.]
lord goring. Phipps, there is a lady coming to see me this evening on particular business. Show her into the drawing-room when she arrives. You understand?
phipps. Yes, my lord.