[He notices the letter, which he had put on the table, and picks it up.Gracecatches her breath.
[He notices the letter, which he had put on the table, and picks it up.Gracecatches her breath.
Claude.
Hulloa! I forgot to open this. Moore gave it me as I came in. [With surprise.] It’s your hand-writing.
Grace.
[Quite naturally, holding out her hand.] It’s nothing. I was afraid I should have gone out by the time you came in, and I wanted to remind you about the herbaceous border. It’s only a note.
Claude.
[Giving her the letter.] Are you going out?
Grace.
I was going to motor to Wells with Helen Vernon.
[As she speaks she tears the letter into little bits.
[As she speaks she tears the letter into little bits.
Claude.
Don’t leave me to-day, Grace. I want you so awfully badly.
Grace.
[Sinking with exhaustion into a chair.] No, I won’t leave you ... if you want me.
[Claudekneels down by her side.
[Claudekneels down by her side.
Claude.
I always want you, Grace. You’re so much to me.... After all, nothing can really matter to me so long as I have you. It’s such a comfort to think that I can trust you. And you’ll never round on me. I’m awfully grateful for you, Grace.
[He buries his face in her lap, kissing her hands.
[He buries his face in her lap, kissing her hands.
Grace.
[In a trembling voice.] I can never be such a wife to you as you deserve, Claude. But I can try. If you can believe in me always, Claude, perhaps in time I can become what you believe me. [He makes a movement.] No, don’t look at me. I want you to know that I love you with all my heart, I love you with my body, and I love you with my soul. I want to forget myself and think only of you. What does my happiness matter so long as I can make you happy?
[She bends down and kisses his hair.
[She bends down and kisses his hair.
THE END