Plays: Lady Frederick, The Explorer, A Man of Honour

by W. Somerset Maugham

Lady Frederick.

I'm waiting, Lady Mereston.

Lady Mereston.

It's merely that I thought my son should know that Lady Frederick had been the mistress of Roger Bellingham. [Lady Frederick turns quickly and looks at her; then bursts into a peal of laughter. Lady Mereston springs up angrily and hands her a letter.] Is this in your handwriting?

Lady Frederick.

[Not at all disconcerted.] Dear me, how did you get hold of this?

Lady Mereston.

You see that I have ample proof, Lady Frederick.

Lady Frederick.

[Handing the letter to Mereston.] Would you like to read it? You know my writing well enough to be able to answer Lady Mereston's question.