KATE. Only a specimen letter. Won't it be the usual thing?
LADY SIMS. [To whom this is a new idea.] Is there a usual thing?
KATE. Oh, yes.
[She continues to type, and Lady Sims, half-mesmerized, gazes at her nimble fingers. The useless woman watches the useful one, and she sighs, she could not tell why.
LADY SIMS. How quickly you do it! It must be delightful to be able to do something, and to do it well.
KATE. [Thankfully.] Yes, it is delightful.
LADY SIMS [Again remembering the source of all her greatness.] But, excuse me, I don't think that will be any use. My husband wants me to explain to you that his is an exceptional case. He did not try to get this honor in any way. It was a complete surprise to him——
KATE. [Who is a practical Kate and no dealer in sarcasm.] That is what I have written.
LADY SIMS. [In whom sarcasm would meet a dead wall.] But how could you know?
KATE. I only guessed.