- [Martin's Aunt Joan has died. His Aunt Ruth has come down to Portwenn for the funeral]
- Dr. Martin Ellingham: Did you know that Joan left you the farm?
- Ruth Ellingham: Oh, that bloody woman. And I only gave her slippers for Christmas.
- Louisa Glasson: [having just met] So, you're Joan's sister.
- Ruth Ellingham: That's right. I'm sure Martin's told you all about me.
- Louisa Glasson: Oh, yes, yes, of course, he has.
- Ruth Ellingham: Don't lie, dear, but if you must, do it with conviction.
- [Aunt Ruth comes out of the shop carrying a bag of vegetables]
- Dr. Martin Ellingham: You do realise that vegetables grow on your farm?
- Ruth Ellingham: If they leapt out of the ground and cleaned themselves, I might be tempted to cook them.