Landed Gentry: A Comedy in Four Acts

by W. Somerset Maugham

I don’t want to seem inquisitive, but if you don’t like Mrs. Insoley why on earth d’you have her to stay here?

Grace.

Simple-minded child! Because even in a county family money’s the only thing in the world that really matters, and we’re penniless, while Mrs. Insoley—[with a quick, defiant look at Miss Vernon]—Mrs. Insoley stinks of it.... Do I shock you?

Miss Vernon.

[With a smile.] No, because I see you’re trying to.

Grace.

Claude has nothing but the house and land and his principles. And if we’re able to have the hounds and the shooting and a couple of cars, it’s because Mrs. Insoley pays for it.

Miss Vernon.

[Explaining to Edith Lewis.] Mrs. Insoley was an heiress.

Grace.