Oh, why can’t we go back to the beginning? D’you remember how we loved one another then? You used to come down with me every day when I went out, and when I came back you always ran down to kiss me. And d’you remember how you used to sit on my chair in the morning while I smoked my pipe and we read the paper together?

Penelope.

[Concealing a smile.] How you must have hated it!

Dickie.

Hate it? I’ve never been so happy in my life.

Penelope.

At all events I hope we shall always continue to be good friends.

Dickie.

[Starting up.] Friends! What’s the good of offering me your friendship when I’m starving for your love? How can you make me so unhappy?

Penelope.