I was wondering if you could tell me when the post comes through. It's for Shanghai....

Kitty Fane: I was wondering if you could tell me when the post comes through. It's for Shanghai. Waddington: Unfortunately, since the cholera the cowards won't venture past the river port. But leave it with me. A local trader I know is making the trip on Friday. Kitty Fane: [hands Waddington the letter] Waddington: [reading the envelope] Townsend. Charlie Townsend? Kitty Fane: Yes. He's an acquaintance of my husband. Do you know him? [Kitty takes the letter back and looks worried] Waddington: Years ago. We were both assigned to the consulate in Shanghai. Charming wife. Kitty Fane: Yes. They're very popular, aren't they? Waddington: He'd made a science of popularity. Kitty Fane: So you know his family? Waddington: Well, well enough. I like Dorothy. Kitty Fane: [laughs] Yes, I understand they're quite the devoted couple. Waddington: Oh, he had his little flirtations. Kitty Fane: Nothing serious. Waddington: I once heard her say that she found it most unflattering that the women who fell for her husband were so consistently second-rate. Kitty Fane: [looks mortified for a moment, then laughs] Well, enjoy the record. Waddington: Mrs. Fane? The letter. Kitty Fane: Right. Yes, it suddenly occured to me that Friday's much too late. Thanks all the same.