Penelope: A Comedy in Three Acts

by W. Somerset Maugham

[Putting up a defensive hand.] No, I couldn’t really. It’s one of my principles.

Penelope.

I know your principles are excellent, but I really shouldn’t like Dickie to accept a fee for seeing my greatest friend.

[Penelope takes up the money and gives it to Mrs. Fergusson.

Mrs. Fergusson.

Oh, well, of course, if you take it like that, I don’t know what to do.

Penelope.

Put it in your purse and say no more about it.

Mrs. Fergusson.

Oh, it’s too good of you.