Penelope: A Comedy in Three Acts

by W. Somerset Maugham

[Exit.

Dickie.

I say, there’s no getting out of it. [At the telephone.] Hulloa. Why don’t you come round? Mrs. Fergusson is calling on Pen, and you can arrange about your luncheon party then.... All right. Good-bye.... I say, I’m going to bolt.

Penelope.

You coward!

Dickie.

[Pretending to be very dignified.] I’m not a coward, Penelope. I shall be back in two minutes. But I’m thirsty, and I’m going to have a brandy and soda.

[He bends down to kiss her, but she moves away.

Dickie.

I say, hang it all, you needn’t grudge me one kiss.