Pierrette [cutting bread and butter at the table]. Come and be cheerful, instead of grumbling there to the fire.

Pierrot. I was thinking.

Pierrette. Come and have tea. When you sit by the fire, thoughts only fly up the chimney.

Pierrot. The whole world's a chimney-piece. Give people a thing as worthless as paper, and it catches fire in them and makes a stir; but real thought, they let it go up with the smoke.

Pierrette. Cheer up, Pierrot. See how thick I've spread the butter.

Pierrot. You're always cheerful.

Pierrette. I try to be happy.

Pierrot. Ugh! [He has moved to the table. There is a short silence, during which Pierrot sips his tea moodily.]

Pierrette. Tea all right?

Pierrot. Middling.