Penelope: A Comedy in Three Acts

by W. Somerset Maugham

Mrs. Fergusson.

But I must fly too. I really had no idea it was so late.

Penelope.

Are you doing anything to-night?

Mrs. Fergusson.

Oh, no! I live very quietly. There’s nothing that I enjoy more than an evening all by myself, with a book.

Penelope.

You used to be so fond of going out.

Mrs. Fergusson.

I know that my husband prefers me to remain at home. And when I think of him bravely serving his country in a foreign land I have no heart for gaiety.