Ned. (crosses to table, returns with letter) Another week will finish it. I’m re-writing that compromising letter. You said the first one wasn’t strong enough.
Alma. Not half. When you compromise your hero, compromise him. The public like imperial measure. Let ’em have it.
Ned. Well, I think this is warm enough. (give sheet to Alma)
Alma. (reads) “Willow Bank, Surbiton.”
Ned. No, no. (takes the sheet of paper)
Alma. “Willow Bank, Surbiton.” It says so.
Ned. That’s this house. I jotted my ideas down on a sheet of our notepaper to submit to you before I altered the manuscript. This is the letter I propose. “My own dearest Alma”——
Alma. Stop. Is there an Alma in this play?
Ned. The heroine. I told you, I call all my heroines “Alma.”
Alma. Te, te, te. Go on.