PEHR. You don't say so! Well, good friends, don't you think this an
excellent repast?

SECOND FRIEND. I never flatter!

FIRST FRIEND. No, my friend, you only stuff yourself! I never
flatter, either, but I cannot therefore mask the truth and must
acknowledge that anything of this sort I have never before had a
share in, and it has to be Christopher that offers such a treat!
Your health, brother Christopher!

PEHR. [Aghast.] Christopher?

SECOND FRIEND. I'm a plain, everyday sort of man, and cannot make
pretty speeches--which I scorn, and the expression of which from
such a source I can ascribe only to a secret desire to get money.
That is my plain, everyday opinion.

FIRST FRIEND. What insolence!

PEHR. I must beg that no serious discussions interrupt this
delightful gathering, which would be even more agreeable if it were
sweetened by some charming representative of the opposite sex.

[A Woman appears.]

PEHR. Behold!

WOMAN. So you couldn't wait for me! That was most impolite, but I