get an envelope, in which she encloses the letter as she speaks).
Candida here, and Candida there, and Candida everywhere! (She
licks the envelope.) It's enough to drive anyone out of their
SENSES (thumping the envelope to make it stick) to hear a
perfectly commonplace woman raved about in that absurd manner
merely because she's got good hair, and a tolerable figure.

LEXY (with reproachful gravity). I think her extremely beautiful,
Miss Garnett. (He takes the photograph up; looks at it; and adds,
with even greater impressiveness) EXTREMELY beautiful. How fine
her eyes are!

PROSERPINE. Her eyes are not a bit better than mine--now! (He
puts down the photograph and stares austerely at her.) And you
know very well that you think me dowdy and second rate enough.

LEXY (rising majestically). Heaven forbid that I should think of
any of God's creatures in such a way! (He moves stiffly away from
her across the room to the neighbourhood of the bookcase.)

PROSERPINE. Thank you. That's very nice and comforting.

LEXY (saddened by her depravity). I had no idea you had any
feeling against Mrs. Morell.

PROSERPINE (indignantly). I have no feeling against her. She's
very nice, very good-hearted: I'm very fond of her and can
appreciate her real qualities far better than any man can. (He
shakes his head sadly and turns to the bookcase, looking along
the shelves for a volume. She follows him with intense