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

by W. Somerset Maugham

I'm very sorry.

Lady Frederick.

I forgive you.... You may kiss my hand. [He does so.] You dear boy. [Looking at herself in the glass.] Oh, Betsy, you're not looking your best to-day. [Shaking her finger at the glass.] This won't do, Betsy, my dear. You're very nearly looking your age. [Turning round quickly.] D'you think I look forty?

Mereston.

I never asked myself how old you were.

Lady Frederick.

Well, I'm not, you know. And I shan't be as long as there's a pot of rouge and a powder puff in the world. [She rubs grease paint all over her face.]

Mereston.

What are you doing?

Lady Frederick.