Julia. You know what Lady Doldrummond is. How did you overcome her scruples?
Mandeville. Is my reputation then so very bad?
Julia. You—you are supposed to be rather dangerous. You sing on the stage, and have a tenor voice.
Mandeville. Is that enough to make a man dangerous?
Julia. How can I tell? But mamma said you were invincible. You admire mamma, of course. [Sighs.]
Mandeville. A charming woman, Mrs. de Trappe. A very interesting woman; so sympathetic.
Julia. But she said she would not listen to you
.Mandeville. Did she say that? [A slight pause.] I hope you will not be angry when I own that I do not especially admire your mother. A quarter of a century ago she may have had considerable attractions, but—are you offended?
Julia. Offended? Oh, no. Only it seems strange. I thought that all men admired mamma. [Pause.] You have not told me yet how you made Lady Doldrummond's acquaintance.
Mandeville. I am here at Lord Aprile's invitation. He has decided that he feels no further need of Lady Doldrummond's apron-strings.