Mrs. Gaylustre monologue (Act 4) — The Cabinet Minister: A farce in four acts

How very charming! Lady Twombley's latest fad, the Algerian conservatory. And there was a time when a sprig of geranium on the window-sill would have contented her. [Looking at a photograph of LADY TWOMBLEY upon the table.] There she is--Kitty Twombley. In one of my gowns too. Kitty Twombley, once Kitty White, the daughter of a poor farmer down in Cleverton. Ah, when young Mr. Julian Twombley came canvassing Farmer White's vote he found you innocently scrubbing the bricks, I suppose! And now! [With a courtesy.] Lady Twombley, wife of a Cabinet Minister and Patroness Extraordinary of that deserving young widow, Fanny Gaylustre! [She sits surveying the portraits upon the table.] Ha, ha! I'll turn you all to account some fine day. Why shouldn't I finish as well as the dairy-fed daughter of a Devonshire yokel? What on earth is wrong with my bonnet? [She puts her hand up behind her head and finds LADY TWOMBLEY's letter which BROOKE had left on the back of the chair.] Lady Twombley's writing. [Reading.] "My sweet child. For heaven's sake let me have your skeddle----" [She sits up suddenly and devours the contents of the letter.] Oh! [Reading aloud.] "I'm desperately short of money! Things are as blue as old Stilton! If your pa finds out----!" My word!