Lady Culverin. So glad you found him agreeable, my dear. I was half afraid he might strike you as—well, just a little bit common in his way of talking.
Lady Rhoda. Pr'aps—but, after all, one can't expect those sort of people to talk quite like we do ourselves, can one?
Lady Cantire. Is that Mr. Spurrell you are finding fault with, Albinia? It is curious that you should be the one person here who——I consider him a very worthy and talented young man, and I shall most certainly ask him to dinner—or lunch, at all events—as soon as we return. I daresay Lady Rhoda will not object to come and meet him.
Lady Rhoda. Rather not. I'll come, like a shot!
Lady Culv. (to herself). I suppose it's very silly of me to be so prejudiced. Nobody else seems to mind him!
Miss Spelwane (crossing over to them). Oh, Lady Culverin, Lady Lullington has such a delightful idea—she's just been saying how very very nice it would be if Mr. Spurrell could be persuaded to read some of his poetry aloud to us presently. Do you think it could be managed?
Lady Culv. (in distress). Really, my dear Vivien, I—I don't know what to say. I fancy people would so much rather talk—don't you think so, Rohesia?
Lady Cant. Probably they would, Albinia. It is most unlikely that they would care to hear anything more intellectual and instructive than the sound of their own voices.
Miss Spelw. I told Lady Lullington that I was afraid you would think it a bore, Lady Cantire.
Lady Cant. You are perfectly mistaken, Miss Spelwane. I flatter myself I am quite as capable of appreciating a literary privilege as anybody here. But I cannot answer for its being acceptable to the majority.