Act 1, Scene 2

Question 1

Charlotte! It is unlike you to be late and make us have to hurry so. A wife’s impunctuality always reflects poorly on the husband, I believe, if not in one way than in another.

Answer 1

I’m sorry, Mellersh.

Question 2

At the least, it conveys a lack of concern on her part, and, at the most, a lack of control on his.

Answer 2

Forgive me, Mellersh, but I got into the most interesting conversation at my ladies’ club.

Question 3

That’s very well but…

Answer 3

Do you know a gentleman from here in Hampstead by the name of Arnott?

Question 4

Why? What has he done?

Answer 4

Oh, nothing that i’m aware of. I’m sure he’s quite the usual, in fact. I just thought you might know him through business.

Question 5

The name’s not familiar. It will look very bad if we are late, Charlotte.

Answer 5

I am sorry, Mellersh. I wish that you would just go without me, really. You know I only feel awash with these artistic sorts.

Question 6

But a family solicitor must show his family now, mustn’t he? It’s not so important that you enjoy yourself, but that you simply are there.

Answer 6

It’s just that I always feel so…negligible. I never know what to say. And if, by chance, I do have something to say, it only comes out wrong.

Question 7

If you’re asked for your opinion, you need merely say “Marvelous” or something of that nature, and leave it at that. that’s all they want to hear anyhow. Try it.

Answer 7

Marvelous

Question 8

You’ll be surprised how far it will get you.

Answer 8

It’s impressionists again, then?

Question 9

Why?

Answer 9

It’s all just a bit of a muddle, to my eye.

Question 10

Sometimes one has to step back a bit. Have you tried that?

Answer 10

And then what?

Question 11

and then…marvelous. It’s not so much the artists i’m in , anyhow, but their patrons and sponsors, who might be in need of legal counsel.

Answer 11

I understand. Might we go to dinner afterward?

Question 12

We will eat at home. Where have you put my times, Charlotte?

Answer 12

“Times” Mellersh?

Question 13

Yes.

Answer 13

You mean the newspaper?

Question 14

Of course the…have you taken leave of your senses? What else would I mean by my times?

Answer 14

Of course that’s what you meant.

Question 15

Well?

Answer 15

Well what, Mellersh?

Question 16

Where have you put today’s Times?

Answer 16

It seems I forgot to pick one up.

Question 17

I shall miss it now.

Answer 17

Yes. Perhaps it would be best if, in future, you picked up your own times.

Question 18

But you pick up my times, Charlotte. I see no reason to change procedure now. You need merely to be sure to remember.

Answer 18

Yes, but…

Question 19

Case closed, my dear. Case closed.

Answer 19

Mellersh?

Question 20

Yes?

Answer 20

Do you know what the weather is like in Italy in April?

Question 21

Quite lovely, I imagine. Why do you ask?

Answer 21

Oh, no reason, really. We were just talking about it today. . About Holidays.

Question 22

And what were you discussing about holidays?

Answer 22

Just that they must be nice. That’s all.

Question 23

I’m certain they are. Although I have heard some shocking stories to the contrary. There is an inherent element of risk that tends to color quite nicely the sureties of home.

Answer 23

The piano needs tuning.

Question 24

What made you think of that.

Answer 24

I don’t know. Doesn’t matter. Unless, of course, you think I should tune it myself.

Question 25

Charlotte.

Answer 25

I’m ready Mellersh.

Question 26

Right then.

Answer 26

Do I look alright, Mellersh?

Question 27

Fine, Fine. You do manage quite well with your dress allowance, my dear. Your ability with thrift is highly admirable

Answer 27

The sureties of home.

Question 28

And much appreciated for it.

Answer 28

Off we go then.

Question 29

Charlotte?!

Answer 29

Yes, Mellersh? ….How silly of me!

Question 30

Do you think this Arnott is someone I should look up?

Answer 30

Oh, no. I didn’t mean that. I don’t know anything about him really. I only met his wife. That’s all.

Question 31

Well that’s very clever of you. You can make many connections for me at your ladies’ club, I imagine, if you steer your conversation in a useful direction.

Answer 31

Yes, Mellersh. I’m sure.

Question 32

I will miss my times, Charlotte.

Answer 32

I am sorry. There shall be another tomorrow. There.

Question 33

RIght then now. How do I look?

Answer 33

Marvelous.