Beatrice—Do you ask the flowers and the beasts of the field who their ancestors were?
Alexandra—No, mother.
Beatrice—[Reassuringly.] Of course not! You are friendly with horses and squirrels and all sorts of common animals, aren't you?
Alexandra—Yes, mother, from that point of view it is a bit easier.
Beatrice—There, you see, my dear.
Alexandra—But . . . there is something else to consider.
Beatrice—Speak freely. I will guide you.
Alexandra—He is a human being, isn't he?
Beatrice—[Without conviction.] Oh, certainly, certainly.
Alexandra—He is likely to think about it. And that is the great difference between him and a squirrel.
Beatrice—That is his affair.
Alexandra—But it is possible that he may misunderstand me.
Beatrice—You will do nothing that he can possibly misunderstand. My mind is easy on that score.
Alexandra—Of course not, mother. And yet he can't help but notice my sudden change of manner toward him.
Beatrice—That need give us no concern.
Alexandra—But I must know what I am to do
