VIOLA. He said that your intellectual arrogance was only equalled
by your spiritual instability. I don't quite know what it means,
but it doesn't sound the sort of thing you want in a son-in-law.

RICHARD. Still, it was friendly of him to go right away to
Basingstoke to say it. Anyhow, you don't believe it.

VIOLA. Of course not.

RICHARD. And Robert doesn't really.

VIOLA. Then why does he say it?

RICHARD. Ah, now you're opening up very grave questions. The whole
structure of the British Constitution rests upon Robert's right to
say things like that at Basingstoke. ... But really, darling, we're
very good friends. He's always asking my advice about things--he
doesn't take it, of course, but still he asks it; and it awfully
good of him to insist on my staying here while my flat was being
done up. (Seriously) I bless him for that. If it hadn't been for
the last week I should never have known you. You were just "Viola"--
the girl I'd seen at odd times since she was a child; now--oh, why
won't you let me tell your father? I hate it like this.

VIOLA, Because I love you, Dick, and because I know father. He
would, as they say in novels, show you the door. (Smiling) And I
want you this side of the door for a little bit longer.

RICHARD (firmly). I shall tell him before I go.