brothers-in-law, madam. Really, from your tone, one would suppose
that I had several. Pardon my sensitiveness on that subject; but
reports are continually being circulated that I have been shot as
a traitor in the courtyard of the Ritz Hotel simply because I
have German brothers-in-law. [With feeling.] If you had a German
brother-in-law, madam, you would know that nothing else in the
world produces so strong an anti-German feeling. Life affords no
keener pleasure than finding a brother-in-law's name in the
German casualty list.

THE LADY. Nobody knows that better than I. Wait until you hear
what I have come to tell you: you will understand me as no one
else could. Listen. This spy, this woman--

AUGUSTUS [all attention]. Yes?

THE LADY. She is a German. A Hun.

AUGUSTUS. Yes, yes. She would be. Continue.

THE LADY. She is my sister-in-law.

AUGUSTUS [deferentially]. I see you are well connected, madam.
Proceed.

THE LADY. Need I add that she is my bitterest enemy?

AUGUSTUS. May I--[he proffers his hand. They shake, fervently.
>From this moment onward Augustus becomes more and more
confidential, gallant, and charming.]