The Circle: A Comedy in Three Acts

by W. Somerset Maugham

C.-C. Never mind; if your principles are right, you can play ten shillings a hundred without danger. I never play less, and I never play more.

Arnold. And you—are you going to stay long, father?

C.-C. To luncheon, if you’ll have me.

[Arnold gives Elizabeth a harassed look.

Elizabeth. That’ll be jolly.

Arnold. I didn’t mean that. Of course you’re going to stay for luncheon. I meant, how long are you going to stay down here?

C.-C. A week.

[There is a moment’s pause. Everyone but Champion-Cheney is slightly embarrassed.

Teddie. I think we’d better chuck our tennis.