FLORA. But the flat won't be anything like ready by next week.
CEDRIC. Never mind, we'll sleep at the Grand Babylon, or in the backyard. (_A little pause._) Of course as a nuisance it completely baffles description.... To-day of all days.... However, Fluff, as I said before with profound truth--there you are! It would never do in this world to give the German lot even a chance. The thing's too spectacular--altogether too spectacular. If it was a question of beating us quietly and for ever in technics or manufacture, the B.P. wouldn't think twice about it; but Snowdon is Snowdon, and a black eagle is a black eagle, and (_comically_) in short, madam, England will turn to your husband in its hour of peril. In other words, Fluff, it's up to me.
FLORA. I thought we were agreed about a full calendar month.
CEDRIC. (_After a pause; as lightly as possible._) Do you mean you think I ought to let Snowdon slide? Do you really----
FLORA. (_Persuasively._) My dearest boy, is there any reason why I shouldn't differ from you and yet be serious?
CEDRIC. No, of course not. But in a case like this--if there was anybody else to take my place, I wouldn't mind. Of course Smith-James could do it if only he would use our machine--but he won't. Nothing would induce him to. So as I keep on saying--there you are!
FLORA. But what does it matter? Is it because the other man's machine has been called the Black Eagle in a telegram that you----
FLORA. Oh! So that if this canvas-backed duck flies first over a lump of mud called Snowdon----
CEDRIC. But don't I tell you Snowdon is the highest mountain in England?
CEDRIC. Pardon me. Three thousand five hundred and seventy feet. The next highest is----
FLORA. Well, you go and tell Lloyd George that Snowdon is the highest mountain in England, and see what you'll get.
FLORA. (_With great charm._) If you're thinking of the ten thousand pounds, I don't mind informing you, as a great secret, that I wouldn't sell a single day of my honeymoon with you for ten times ten thousand pounds. But I told you I wanted an expensive honeymoon, didn't I?
CEDRIC. (_Shaking his head and with calm certainty._) The money doesn't influence me that much! (_Snaps his fingers._) I don't wish to flatter myself, but I think I could light your cigarette with a bank note as gracefully as anybody. No----
