Miss Spenlow shoots Mr. Wolfe a look of undying gratitude.

Miss Twaite placidly continues to stitch her petticoat together.

Mr. Fortinbras bristles. "I simply meant - this is hardly the place! I should prefer to be able to enjoy a cup of tea without being subjected to petticoats!"

"Oh, but Mr. Fortinbras," says Miss Twaite mildly, looking up, "don't we all spend our time in here airing each other's dirty laundry anyways?"