Penelope: A Comedy in Three Acts

by W. Somerset Maugham

Barlow.

H’m.... Will you let her know I’ve come?

Peyton.

Mrs. O’Farrell is not at home, sir.

Barlow.

Not at home?... But....

Peyton.

Mrs. O’Farrell said, would you kindly sit down and make yourself comfortable? And I was to give you the Morning Post.

Barlow.

[Pompously.] I can’t imagine why Mrs. O’Farrell should think I haven’t read the Morning Post at six o’clock in the evening.