An ill-conducted, careless man is
never allowed within arm's length of any woman worth knowing.
HECTOR. I see. You are neither a Bohemian woman nor a Puritan
woman. You are a dangerous woman.
LADY UTTERWORD. On the contrary, I am a safe woman.
HECTOR. You are a most accursedly attractive woman. Mind, I am
not making love to you. I do not like being attracted. But you
had better know how I feel if you are going to stay here.
LADY UTTERWORD. You are an exceedingly clever lady-killer,
Hector. And terribly handsome. I am quite a good player, myself,
at that game. Is it quite understood that we are only playing?
HECTOR. Quite. I am deliberately playing the fool, out of sheer
worthlessness.
LADY UTTERWORD [rising brightly]. Well, you are my
brother-in-law, Hesione asked you to kiss me. [He seizes her in
his arms and kisses her strenuously]. Oh! that was a little more
than play, brother-in-law. [She pushes him suddenly away]. You
shall not do that again.
HECTOR. In effect, you got your claws deeper into me than I
intended.
MRS HUBHABYE [coming in from the garden]. Don't let me disturb
you; I only want a cap to put on daddiest. The sun is setting;
and he'll catch cold [she makes for the door leading to the
hall].
LADY UTTERWORD. Your husband is quite charming, darling.
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