BELSON (_stepping forward and holding up a hand to stop him_). The man
did quite right----
JACK. He didn’t. He promised to stand by me, and he’s sold me. But I
won’t come back. You can’t make me. I refuse. I’m my own master. I’ve
sent in my resignation and they can take it or be damned to them!
(_Turns towards OMETSU who nestles up to him. He turns to BELSON._)
Mr. Belson, is there any need to prolong----
BELSON. Will you introduce me?
JACK (_hesitates, and then presents OMETSU_). Madamoiselle Ometsu
San--Lieut.-Commander Belson. (_They bow stiffly._)
BELSON (_gravely_). Mam’zelle, would you permit me to have a few
minutes with Mr. Maitland alone?
JACK (_quickly_). No--no--I refuse. Don’t go, sweetheart! I’m very
sorry, sir, but I can’t go. I have finished with the Navy----
BELSON (_to OMETSU_). Mam’zelle, do you know that Mr. Maitland has been
ten years in the British Navy? (_She bows._) Do you know that if he
resigns his commission he will never be able to get back? (_She remains
silent._) Do you know--pardon me--but do you know that if you marry him
he will not be able to go back to England?
JACK. Oh, yes, I can! But I shan’t want to. We are going away to live
our own lives----