Valentine, who comes in from the garden walking quickly, with his face
set and sulky.)

VALENTINE (stiffly). Excuse me. I thought the party had quite
broken up.

GLORIA (nagging). Then why did you come back?

VALENTINE. I came back because I am penniless. I can't get out that
way without a five shilling ticket.

MRS. CLANDON. Has anything annoyed you, Mr. Valentine?

GLORIA. Never mind him, mother. This is a fresh insult to me: that
is all.

MRS. CLANDON (hardly able to realize that Gloria is deliberately
provoking an altercation). Gloria!

VALENTINE. Mrs. Clandon: have I said anything insulting? Have I
done anything insulting?

GLORIA. you have implied that my past has been like yours. That is
the worst of insults.

VALENTINE. I imply nothing of the sort. I declare that my past has
been blameless in comparison with yours.

MRS. CLANDON (most indignantly). Mr. Valentine!