Landed Gentry: A Comedy in Four Acts

by W. Somerset Maugham

[With complete self-assurance.] And well I may, considering that I still have a lock of hair which he gave my grandmother.

Miss Vernon.

Half the families in the country have a greasy lock of hair which they tell you was the Regent’s. Personally, I think it’s rather snobbish to make a claim of that sort unless one’s perfectly sure.

Mrs. Insoley.

[Bridling in her turn.] I think you’re extremely rude, Helen. In the presence of a man I can’t go into details, but I have proof of every word I say. You know what I mean, Louisa?

Miss Hall.

I believed the worst from the beginning, Mrs. Insoley.

Miss Vernon.

I have no doubt you firmly believe what you say, Mrs. Insoley; but if you don’t mind my saying so, one has only to look at the portrait of Pamela Bainbridge to know the whole thing’s absurd.

Mrs. Insoley.