So I began to understand that men and women were only material to work with, and that what they said or did was of no consequence.
See?
Strictly speaking, you might just as well put your ear down to the palette to catch what your colours are saying.' 'Dick, that's disgraceful!' 'Wait a minute.

I said, strictly speaking.

Unfortunately, everybody must be either a man or a woman.' 'I'm glad you allow that much.' 'In your case I don't.

You aren't a woman.

But ordinary people, Maisie, must behave and work as such.