Victor. Were you at the Garden Party yesterday?
Clytie. Yesterday? Pooh-that ’s ancient history.
Victor. Marvellous weather.
Iris. (To Clytie) Just a moment, dearest. What have you been doing? Your bodice is torn.
Clytie. Thank you, darling.—Felix You look so sad. What ’s the matter with you, my precious?
Felix. I’m thinking.
Clytie. Thinking? What do you keep thinking about?
Felix. Men’s minds were given them to use.
Clytie. And women’s?
Felix. To misuse.
Iris. Oh, isn’t that good, Felix!
Clytie. The nasty little fellow hates me.
Victor. Be careful, Clytie—that ’s the first step towards love.
Otto. Eh, what ’s that?
Iris. Felix and love? The idea! Why, he wrote something about women—wait . . .
Felix. Iris, how can you! Don’t!
Iris. There ’s nothing true. The earth and sky
Were false when first created;
And you and I will surely lie
When love is consummated.
Clytie. Will surely what?
Iris. ‘Surely lie’, dearest.
Victor. Felix, you scoundrel—how many women have you lied to?
Otto. ‘And you and I will surely lie’—I see. Of course! ha, ha—very good.
Iris. ‘When love is consummated.’
