The Tea Scene

Quite a well-kept garden this is, Miss Cardew.

So glad you like it, Miss Fairfax.

I had no idea there were any flowers in the country.

Oh, flowers are as common here, Miss Fairfax, as people are in London.

Personally I cannot understand how anybody manages to exist in the country, if anybody who is anybody does. The country always bores me to death.

Ah! This is what the newspapers call agricultural depression, is it not? I believe the aristocracy are suffering very much from it just at present. It is almost an epidemic amongst them, I have been told. May I offer you some tea, Miss Fairfax?

Thank you. [Aside.] Detestable girl! But I require tea!

Sugar?

No, thank you. Sugar is not fashionable any more.

[Puts four lumps into the cup.] Cake or bread and butter?

Bread and butter, please. Cake is rarely seen at the best houses nowadays.

[Cuts a very large slice of cake and puts it on the tray.] Hand that to Miss Fairfax.

[Drinks the tea and makes a grimace. Puts down cup at once.] You have filled my tea with lumps of sugar, and though I asked most distinctly for bread and butter, you have given me cake. I am known for the gentleness of my disposition, and the extraordinary sweetness of my nature, but I warn you, Miss Cardew, you may go too far.

To save my poor, innocent, trusting boy from the machinations of any other girl there are no lengths to which I would not go.