[_Ironically._] I humbly apologise. I thought he was a grocer, because last time he did us the honour of visiting us he asked how much a pound we paid for our tea and offered to sell us some at the same price.... But then he also offered to insure our house against fire and to sell me a gold mine in Australia. JENNY. Well, it's better to make a bit as best one can than to.... [_She stops._] BASIL. [_Smiling._] Go on. Pray don't hesitate for fear of hurting my feelings. JENNY. [_Defiantly._] Well, then, it's better to do that than moon about like you do. BASIL. [_Shrugging his shoulders._] Really, even to please you, I'm afraid I can't go about with little samples of tea in my pocket and sell my friends a pound or two when I call on them. Besides, I don't believe they'd ever pay me. JENNY. [_Scornfully._] Oh no, you're a gentleman and a barrister and an author, and you couldn't do anything to dirty those white hands that you're so careful about, could you? BASIL. [_Looking at his hands, then up at_ JENNY.] And what is it precisely you want me to do? JENNY. Well, you've been at the Bar for five years. I should have thought you could make something after all that time. BASIL. I can't force the wily solicitor to give me briefs. JENNY. How do other fellows manage it? BASIL. [_With a laugh._] The simplest way, I believe, is to marry the wily solicitor's daughter. JENNY. Instead of a barmaid? BASIL. [_Gravely._] I didn't say that, Jenny. JENNY. [_Passionately._] Oh no. You didn't say it, but you hinted it. You never say anything, but you're always hinting and insinuating--till you drive me out of my senses. BASIL. [_After a moment's pause, gravely._] I'm very sorry if I hurt your feelings. I promise you I don't mean to. I always try to be kind to you. [_He looks at_ JENNY, _expecting her to say something in forgiveness or in apology. But she, shrugging her shoulders, looks down sullenly at her work, without a word, and begins again to sew. Then_ BASIL, _tightening his lips, picks up writing materials and goes towards the door_. JENNY. [_Looking up quickly._] Where are you going? BASIL. [_Stopping._] I have some letters to write. JENNY. Can't you write them here? BASIL. Certainly--if it pleases you. JENNY. Don't you want me to see who you're writing to? BASIL. I haven't the least objection to your knowing all about my correspondence.... And that's fortunate, since you invariably make yourself acquainted with it. JENNY. Accuse me of reading your letters now. BASIL. [_With a smile._] You always leave my papers in such disorder after you've been to my desk. JENNY. You've got no right to say that. [BASIL _pauses and looks at her steadily_. BASIL. Are you willing to swear that you don't go to my desk when I'm away to read my letters? Come, Jenny, answer that question. JENNY.