Act I

It’s so terribly cheap.

Cheap! Nonsense! What about your diplomatist?

Surely that’s a little different, dear?

If you mean that because you happen to be a vigorous ingénue of nineteen you have the complete monopoly of any amorous adventure there may be about, I feel it my firm duty to disillusion you.

But, Mother⁠—

Anyone would think I was eighty, the way you go on. It was a great mistake not sending you to boarding schools, and you coming back and me being your elder sister.

It wouldn’t have been any use. Everyone knows we’re your son and daughter.

Only because I was stupid enough to dandle you about in front of cameras when you were little. I knew I should regret it.

I don’t see any point in trying to be younger than you are.

At your age, dear, it would be indecent if you did.