_He cracks another, with a sigh which sounds ridiculous in that connection._ EDWARD. Well, if you've never had to decide anything very serious . . ALICE. [_With great gravity._] Everything's serious. EDWARD. Everything isn't vital. ALICE. [_skilfully manoeuvring the subject._] I've answered vital questions. I knew that I didn't want to marry you . . each time. EDWARD. Oh, then you didn't just make a rule of saying no. ALICE. As you proposed . . on principle? No, I always gave you a fair chance. I'll give you one now if you like. _He rouses himself to play up to this outrageous piece of flirting._ EDWARD. I'm not to be caught. ALICE. Edward, how rude you are. [_She eats her nut contentedly._] EDWARD. Do other men propose to you? ALICE. Such a thing may have happened . . when I was young. Perhaps it might even now if I were to allow it. EDWARD. You encourage me shamelessly. ALICE. It isn't everyone who proposes on principle. As a rule a man does it because he can't help himself. And then to be said no to . . hurts. _They are interrupted by the sudden appearance of_ MRS. HUGH VOYSEY, _a brisk, bright little woman, in an evening gown, which she has bullied a cheap dressmaker into making look exceedingly smart_. BEATRICE _is as hard as nails and as clever as paint. But if she keeps her feelings buried pretty deep it is because they are precious to her; and if she is impatient with fools it is because her own brains have had to win her everything in the world, so perhaps she does overvalue them a little. She speaks always with great decision and little effort._ BEATRICE. I believe I could write important business letters upon an island in the middle of Fleet Street. But while Booth is poking at a ventilator with a billiard cue . . no, I can't. _She goes to the fireplace, waving her half finished letter._ ALICE. [_soothingly._] Didn't you expect Hugh back to dinner? BEATRICE. Not specially. . He went to rout out some things from his studio. He'll come back in a filthy mess. ALICE. Now if you listen . . Booth doesn't enjoy making a fuss by himself . . you'll hear him rout out Honor. _They listen. But what happens is that_ BOOTH _appears at the door, billiard cue in hand, and says solemnly_ . . MAJOR BOOTH VOYSEY. Edward, I wish you'd come and have a look at this ventilator, like a good fellow. _Then he turns and goes again, obviously with the weight of an important matter on his shoulders. With the ghost of a smile_ EDWARD _gets up and follows him_. ALICE. If I belonged to this family I should hate Booth. _With which comment she joins_ BEATRICE _at the fireplace_. BEATRICE. A good day's shopping? ALICE. 'M. The baby bride and I bought clothes all the morning. Then we had lunch with Denis and bought furniture. BEATRICE. Nice furniture?