An Inspector Calls - Mrs. Birling Act One

Yes, go on, Mummy. You must drink to our health.

Very well, then. Just a little, thank you. All right, Edna. I’ll ring from the drawing room when we want coffee. Probably in about half an hour.

Absolutely first class.

Arthur, you’re not supposed to say such things-

Haven’t I? You know I have.

Of course she does.

Yes, that’s what you say.

Now, Shelia, don’t tease him. When you’re married you’ll realize that men with important work to do sometimes have to spend nearly all their time and energy on their business. You’ll have to get used to that, just as I had. Isn’t that so Arthur?

I’m not.

What an expression, Shelia! Really, the things you girls pick up these days!

Don’t be an ass, Eric.

Now stop it, you two. Arthur, what about this famous toast of yours?

we’re celebrating quietly like this—

Much nicer, really.

Hear, hear! And I think my father would agree to that, too.

Now, Arthur, I don’t think you ought to talk business on an occasion like this.

All the best.

Yes, Gerald.

Good old Shelia!

Yes, Shelia, darling. Our congratulations and very best wishes!

Now I really feel engaged.

So you ought, darling. It’s a lovely ring. Be careful with it.

I’ll never let it go out of my sight for an instant. Look, Eric.

Well, it came just at the right moment. THat was clever of you, Gerald. Now, Arthur, if you’ve no more to say, I think Shelia and I had better go into the drawing room and leave you men—

…which will always be behind-hand, naturally.

Yes, dear—I know.

And we don’t guess—we’ve had experience—and we know.

Yes, of course dear. Well—don’t keep Gerald in here too long. Eric—I want you a minute.