The Circle: A Comedy in Three Acts

by W. Somerset Maugham

Arnold. But supposing it doesn’t come off? Women are incalculable.

C.-C. Nonsense! Men are romantic. A woman will always sacrifice herself if you give her the opportunity. It is her favourite form of self-indulgence.

Arnold. I never know whether you’re a humorist or a cynic, father.

C.-C. I’m neither, my dear boy; I’m merely a very truthful man. But people are so unused to the truth that they’re apt to mistake it for a joke or a sneer.

Arnold. [Irritably.] It seems so unfair that this should happen to me.

C.-C. Keep your head, my boy, and do what I tell you.

[Lady Kitty and Elizabeth come in. Lady Kitty is in a gorgeous evening gown.

Elizabeth. Where is Lord Porteous?

C.-C. He’s on the terrace. He’s smoking a cigar. [Going to window.] Hughie!