Penelope: A Comedy in Three Acts

by W. Somerset Maugham

Dickie.

Thank heaven, there’s somebody. I’ll get a few guineas out of her at all events. [Looking at his case book.] Four visits. That’ll be five guineas. By Jove, I want them.

Penelope.

What’s the matter with her?

Dickie.

I don’t know, but I’m pretending I do. And she probably won’t find out.

Penelope.

I’ll leave you. I must just telephone to some one.

[She goes out. Dickie walks up and down irritably. When Mrs. Watson appears he at once puts on his professional manner, and is very bland and affable. Mrs. Watson is a little, old lady in black.

Dickie.