Dominica—[Without conviction.] Certainly, certainly.
Hyacinth—It was a charming gesture on Alexandra's part. I am truly proud that throughout the entire episode she conducted herself just as you yourself would have done. We may all be proud of her. [As he speaks Beatrice gives him furtive, grateful glances.]
Dominica—A splendid girl. A girl of spirit! [Majestically.] Happy the people who get such a queen.
Hyacinth—. . . And if you want to know—I kissed the poor fellow myself.
Dominica—You were right. Louis XVI., after his wife's recovery from a dangerous confinement, kissed a nurse. [Emphatically.] Such things happen. [After a brief pause.] So that was the terrible thing?
Hyacinth—Yes, that was it. [Points to Beatrice.] She fainted dead away. But she . . . she was angry with the professor anyhow.
Beatrice—[Quite reassured now.] I? I look upon it in the same light as Dominica does. Only I wasn't sure she would see it the way I did.
Hyacinth—She is angry with the tutor on account of Napoleon. He teaches the boys that
Dominica—Can't you bear him, either, this Napoleon?
