Cloys, have just admitted to me that, up till last night, your feelings
towards her were at least as unjust as my own.
MRS. CLOYS.
Ah, I hope your contrition, now that the facts are known to us, is as
sincere and as deep as mine, Mr. Fraser.
JUSTINA.
Oh, how miserable he looks!
MRS. CLOYS.
Who?
JUSTINA.
Jack Allingham. [_She goes out, and disappears._
FRASER.
[_Walking about angrily._] There he is again!
MRS. CLOYS.
He has every right to be here.
FRASER.
It’s in curious taste.
MRS. CLOYS.
I don’t see that. He feels called upon to remain here to protect his
wife. He might say, with equal reason——
FRASER.
Hardly. He can take _his_ wife away, and protect her elsewhere. But I am
helpless. You tell me it is a question whether Theophila ought to be
moved to-day or not——
MRS. CLOYS.
[_Referring to her watch._] Dr. Erskine will decide very shortly.
FRASER.
So, for how long, in heaven’s name, am I to endure Mr. Allingham? The
fellow puts himself in my way. If I walk in the garden, he appears,
indoors, at a window, and coughs in a menacing fashion. When I enter the
house the proceedings are but slightly varied—I am inside; Allingham and
his cough outside.
MRS. CLOYS.
I find him a simple-minded, boyish young man.
FRASER.
[_Looking through the balustrade into the library._] Do you?
MRS. CLOYS.
After all, the conspiracy he assisted at—for which I can never forgive
him—was carried out, on his part, in perfect good faith to Theophila.
FRASER.
His share in it is singularly discreditable.
MRS. CLOYS.
[_Rising._] You and I must remember that it is through this
discreditable act that we are able to do justice to your wife. [JUSTINA
_re-enters, at the window_.] Is Mr. Allingham there?
JUSTINA.
Yes, aunt.
MRS. CLOYS.
[_To_ FRASER.] I assume you are anxious to avoid any open quarrel with
Mr. Allingham?
FRASER.
I simply wish to get my sick wife away as speedily and as peacefully as
possible, and then to forget this gentleman—and his cough. [MRS. CLOYS
_goes out at the window and disappears_.] Justina; surely
you—_you_—resent this new attitude of Mrs. Allingham’s? For months and
months she is your sister’s bitter, determined enemy; then suddenly she
is allowed to sit up all night, nursing her!
JUSTINA.
You wouldn’t grudge the woman her little bit of practical repentance? If
ever I go in for repentance, let nobody try to do me out of it!
FRASER.
[_Impatiently._] Repentance——!
JUSTINA.
[_Sitting on the arm of a chair._] Oh, Olive Allingham didn’t have too
gay a time of it last night, take my word for it. When Theo came-to,
aunt tells me, her poor, overwrought brain wandered for an hour or so;
that wasn’t over-pleasant for Mrs. A. Theo went through the whole
business from beginning to end, breaking off occasionally to say her
prayers—praying that the case might end in her favour, and that the
season’s invitations would flow in as usual. Sometimes she’d stop in the
middle of it, and call out that she couldn’t pray well while that
creature was in the next room listening. Luckily, she fell into a heavy
sleep, at about half-past two, and didn’t wake till just as I turned up
in response to aunt’s telegram. But what a bad hour or two it must have
been for Mrs. A.! Picture it! The half-darkened room; my little sister
tossing about the bed, raving; aunt sitting grimly on one side, with a
handkerchief round her head; and on the other side, hidden behind the
bed-curtains, hardly daring to breathe, that woman, with her white face
and her eyes almost out of their sockets!
SIR FLETCHER _enters, carrying some slips of paper covered
with writing_.
SIR FLETCHER PORTWOOD.
Allingham has had really a most admirable cold luncheon laid in the
dining-room. [_To_ FRASER.] You haven’t seen the dining-room?
FRASER.
[_Shortly._] No.
SIR FLETCHER PORTWOOD.
Really a capital lunch. Evidently it is intended that one should wander
in and eat a wing of a chicken when one feels inclined.
JUSTINA.
_You_ have been wandering, uncle, apparently.
SIR FLETCHER PORTWOOD.
A glass of sherry, merely. No—it is strange and unreasonable that it
should be so, but it _is_ so.
JUSTINA.
What is so?
SIR FLETCHER PORTWOOD.
Why, one has rather a feeling of constraint in sitting down to
Allingham’s table—at any rate until matters are in a more settled state.
[_To_ FRASER.] _You_ wouldn’t care to—to make the plunge?
FRASER.
Plunge——?
SIR FLETCHER PORTWOOD.
To break the ice?
FRASER.
Eat his lunch!
SIR FLETCHER PORTWOOD.
[_Sitting on the settee and arranging his papers._] No, no; I can quite
understand——
JUSTINA.
[_Throwing her head back._] Ha!
FRASER.
[_To her, angrily._] I believe you would grin by the side of a grave.
JUSTINA.
[_Shrugging her shoulders._] _Cela dépend._
FRASER.
[_Turning away in disgust._] Ah!
JUSTINA.
[_Jumping up._] Oh, I’ve had my bad days lately—plenty of ’em! This
morning the atmosphere’s a bit clearer. [_Gaily._] Tra, la, la!
FRASER.
The woman who can laugh under such circumstances——
JUSTINA.
[_Turning upon him._] Laugh! My dear Alec, if you had learnt to laugh
when you acquired your other accomplishments, you would have been able
perhaps to keep my sister out of the Divorce Court.
[_She goes out._
SIR FLETCHER PORTWOOD.
[_Fussing with his papers._] Fraser——[FRASER _comes to him_.] When I got
to my hotel here last night I jotted down the—the—the leading points—the
leading features——
FRASER.
Leading features——?
SIR FLETCHER PORTWOOD.
Of this awkward affair between you and the Allinghams——
FRASER.
[_Impatiently._] There is now no question between me and the
Allinghams——
SIR FLETCHER PORTWOOD.
[_Rising._] My dear Locheen! A lady deliberately stations herself in
that room, with the cognizance and approval of her husband, to listen
to——
FRASER.
I wish to forget all that occurred last night. It is done with.
SIR FLETCHER PORTWOOD.
Pardon me; it cannot be done with: it ought not to be done with, without
the most complete apology—I will not, for reasons you will presently
appreciate, hint from which side. [_Going to_ FRASER, _button-holing
him_.] Do you know what has suggested itself to me, Fraser?
FRASER.
[_Releasing himself._] No.
SIR FLETCHER PORTWOOD.
Why, sir, if ever there was a matter for reference, for arbitration,
this is one!
FRASER.
[_Between his teeth._] Arbitration——?
SIR FLETCHER PORTWOOD.
Good heavens, when I open my _Times_ in the morning, and glance at the
law reports, how often have I occasion to remark, “_That_ scandal might
have been averted, and _that_, and _that_——” if only the intervention of
some cool, level-headed person had been secured, the intervention of
some one possessing the rarest of all gifts—the judicial faculty!
FRASER.
The gift is rare enough upon the bench. People shrink from having their
concerns adjudicated by a meddlesome amateur.
SIR FLETCHER PORTWOOD.
I sent Claude to town for his mother at ten o’clock this morning. When
_they_ arrive, the family will be complete—with the exception Of my
brother, Thomas Osborne Portwood, who is in Australia; a deplorable
case. [_Looking about him._] Arbitration dispenses with legal
paraphernalia. A table, writing materials, a few chairs arranged—[_his
eye falling upon a table_]—a table. [_He moves the table and stands,
disposing, by gesture, of an imaginary audience._] Seated here, I should
command the room. [_Pushing the settee a little further towards the
left._] This thing must be differently placed. Chairs there—and there——
[_To_ FRASER.] Locheen, would this be the better room, I wonder, or the
library?
FRASER.
[_Who has lapsed into thought, rousing himself._] Eh, for what?
SIR FLETCHER PORTWOOD.
For the arbitration? [FRASER _impatiently starts to his feet as_ MRS.
CLOYS _enters at the window with_ JOHN.] Oh, Mr. Allingham, if you will
give me just a moment or two——
MRS. CLOYS.
[_Taking_ SIR FLETCHER’S _arm and drawing him aside_.] Not now,
Fletcher.
SIR FLETCHER PORTWOOD.
[_Annoyed._] Harriet——!
[SIR FLETCHER _and_ MRS. CLOYS _stand outside the window,
talking_. JOHN _comes and faces_ FRASER.
JOHN.
[_With an effort._] I am sorry to hear, Mr. Fraser, that you have been
annoyed, while a visitor at my house, by the persistency of my cough.
FRASER.
If I could have assured myself, Mr. Allingham, that your cough was a
genuine one, it would not, however violent and grave its attacks, have
occasioned me the smallest concern.
JOHN.
I admit the cough was not genuine. I employed it as a sign that I was at
hand should you wish to have an explanation with me.
FRASER.
The invitation might have been more explicitly phrased.
JOHN.
It was clear enough for most men. At any rate, I hope the invitation is
sufficiently plain now.
FRASER.
Quite.
JOHN.
You decline it, or accept it?
FRASER.
If I hesitate, it is because I hardly know in what language you would
choose for me to reply.
JOHN.
Language——?
FRASER.
Words—or a cough?
JOHN.
Oh, whichever you find most procrastinating and evasive.
FRASER.
[_Coolly._] I decline your invitation, Mr. Allingham; I have nothing to
say to you.
JOHN.
[_With clenched hands._] Nothing!
FRASER.
Nothing.
JOHN.
[_Glances at_ MRS. CLOYS, _then advances closely to_ FRASER _and speaks
to him, in a low voice, beside himself with anger, but betraying nothing
by gesture_.] Fraser, _you_ are actually responsible for the occurrences
of last night. You have never understood your unfortunate wife; but
yesterday your behaviour to her was cruel, brutal. I charge you with
acting towards her like a brute.
FRASER.
[_Looking at him immovably._] Well?
JOHN.
Well——!
FRASER.
I repeat, I have nothing to say to you, Mr. Allingham.
[_After a pause_, JOHN _retreats from_ FRASER _and sits upon
the settee, leaning his head upon his hands and uttering
a groan_.
JOHN.
Fraser, I promised Mrs. Cloys, out in the garden, just now that I would
make an attempt to soften matters between us, and—and—offer you some
civility—and so on. I began fairly well—[FRASER _bows_]—and then the
conversation took another line. However—[_rising, speaking with an
effort, not looking at_ FRASER]—let me say that my house is quite at
Mrs. Fraser’s disposal—[_with a gulp_]—and at yours, for as long as she
honours me—as you both honour me—by remaining here. [FRASER _again
bows_, JOHN _glares at him_.] As for ourselves, whenever we encounter
each other I will be careful to look in an opposite direction. Perhaps
you will be good enough to follow the same course.
FRASER.
It is one that would have suggested itself to me.
JUSTINA _enters_.
JUSTINA.
Alec, Theo is coming in to see you.
[JOHN _goes out quickly_; JUSTINA _speaks to_ MRS. CLOYS.
MRS. CLOYS.
[_Entering the room and addressing_ FRASER.] Theo is ready.
[MRS. CLOYS _goes out as_ SIR FLETCHER _enters the room_.
JUSTINA.
[_To him, significantly._] _Now_, perhaps a little lunch, uncle
Fletcher——
[_She goes out by the dining-room door._
SIR FLETCHER PORTWOOD.
[_To_ FRASER.] Of course, my sister Harriet throws cold water upon my
proposal——
FRASER.
Proposal——?
SIR FLETCHER PORTWOOD.
Arbitration. [FRASER _walks away and eyes the upper door anxiously and
expectantly_.] But when did Harriet fail to throw cold water? I shall
sound Allingham and get his views. After all, Harriet is not essential;
Harriet is not——
[_While speaking he goes to the table, takes up the inkstand
and blotting-book and carries them to the other table._
FRASER.
[_To_ SIR FLETCHER.] Sir Fletcher, Theophila understands that she is to
see me here alone——
SIR FLETCHER PORTWOOD.
[_Abstractedly._] I am off; I am off. [_Stopping at the door, looking at
the table, and slowly tapping his forehead._] Pens—paper; two p.’s.
[_He goes out._ FRASER _comes to the dining-room door, and
carefully draws the_ portière; _then he walks away as_
MRS. CLOYS _enters by the upper door with_ THEOPHILA
_leaning upon her arm_. THEOPHILA _is dressed as in the
preceding Acts, but without bonnet or cape_. MRS. CLOYS
_places_ THEOPHILA _upon the settee, then goes out at
the window, and disappears_. FRASER _takes a chair and
sits_.
FRASER.
You—you are very ill, Theophila?
THEOPHILA.
[_In a low, level, weary voice, her eyes turned from him._] No; I have
just escaped being ill, they say.
FRASER.
I have been out all night, taking steps to find you; your aunt’s
telegram did not reach me till late this morning. I hurried here
directly.
THEOPHILA.
[_Indifferently, her thoughts elsewhere._] Oh?
FRASER.
I hope they told you so.
THEOPHILA.
Yes—I think they did. [_Rousing herself slightly._] When did you receive
the news that I’d—I’d——?
FRASER.
That you had——?
THEOPHILA.
Run away?
FRASER.
Justina came to Lennox Gardens last night at about half-past six.
THEOPHILA.
It hadn’t struck you as at all likely——?
FRASER.
No.
THEOPHILA.
Men _don’t_ think on some points, I suppose. They hit; they never expect
to see a bruise.
FRASER.
The two days we passed in Court, Theophila, set me quite beside myself.
I am here to express my deep, my unfeigned regret for my treatment of
you. I—I humbly beg your pardon.
THEOPHILA.
[_Looking at him for the first time, in an expressionless way._] You
know what happened last night?
FRASER.
[_With assumed indifference._] Mrs. Cloys—told me—[_with a wave of the
hand_]—oh, yes.
THEOPHILA.
I asked her to tell you all. She has told you _all_?
FRASER.
[_Nodding agitatedly._] For God’s sake, let us never again refer to the
subject. Forget my share of yesterday and I will forget yours. [_Moving
his chair to the head of the settee, to be nearer to her._] Theophila,
everything you planned that we should do to reinstate you shall be done;
I am prepared to go in with your schemes, heart and soul; all your
suggestions shall be acted upon promptly.
THEOPHILA.
[_Moving away from him; then, after a brief pause._] No, thank you,
Alec.
FRASER.
[_Staring at her._] No——?
THEOPHILA.
I’d rather not, now.
FRASER.
Why not?
THEOPHILA.
Things are different.
FRASER.
In what way?
THEOPHILA.
_I_ feel very different. When I asked you yesterday afternoon to lend me
a helping hand I was asking for my right. It’s true we haven’t got on
well together; you’ve been in one place, I in another, for more than
half our married life. It’s true I’ve been miserable and lonely, and
have told my tale often enough to him—Mr. Allingham——
FRASER.
[_Between his teeth._] Yes, yes.
THEOPHILA.
But, throughout everything, I’ve never been disloyal to you; I’ve always
been fair to you when speaking of you behind your back; though I’ve
hated you sometimes, I wouldn’t have let a living soul say a word
against you in my presence. This is truth, Oh, I know I’ve been vilely
brought up! ’Tina and I are vulgar and slangy, and generally bad form;
and we were once what’s called “fast,” I suppose. But our fastness
didn’t amount to much; it was only flirting, and giggling, and dodging
mother, and getting lost in conservatories and gardens. Oh, what fools
girls are! No, till yesterday I’ve been only silly—silly—nothing but
silly—till last night——! till last night——!
FRASER.
[_Rising and pacing the room._] You were no more yourself last night
than I was _myself_ yesterday afternoon!
THEOPHILA.
[_Sitting upright._] Who says I was not myself? It _was_ myself, the
dregs of myself, that came to the top last night!
FRASER.
The—the—circumstances—under which you—you behaved as you did——
THEOPHILA.
[_Hiding her face in the pillows._] Oh, don’t remind me of it!
FRASER.
I mean, you were weak—ill——
THEOPHILA.
You mean nothing of the sort ... oh-h-h-h, how horrid I must have
looked...!
FRASER.
They were mere words you were speaking——
THEOPHILA.
It was _me_—_me_!
FRASER.
Surely, if I see no reason why you should not claim my help——?
THEOPHILA.
I see a reason—that’s enough. I repeat, what I asked of you yesterday
was my right, my right. But to-day—to-day it would be accepting a favour
from you——
FRASER.
Favour!
THEOPHILA.
Favour. A poor, tawdry little thing I’ve always been; but I’ve been
proud—yes, very proud—like every woman who is square and honest. But
now——! No, if I could pull myself up again, I’d do it, for mother’s sake
and ’Tina’s; but never, never, never, after last night, could I accept a
favour from my husband!
FRASER.
I hear from your aunt that Mrs. Allingham—this man Allingham’s
wife!—generously offers to take you under her wing. Is it so?
THEOPHILA.
[_Leaning back, her eyes closed._] Aunt brought me a message to that
effect from Mrs. Allingham this morning.
FRASER.
What answer did you send?
THEOPHILA.
None; I am going to see Mrs. Allingham.
FRASER.
I think I understand.
THEOPHILA.
Understand?
FRASER.
This lady’s proposal is, after all, one worth considering. It would be a
double triumph for you to ride back into the shabby little circle you
regard as “society” in her coach. It would be a triumph over _me_ in the
first place—over _me_!
THEOPHILA.
[_Opening her eyes and speaking calmly in a subdued voice._] Alec
[_glancing over her shoulder_], is aunt out there? [_He goes to the
window and looks out._
FRASER.
Yes.
THEOPHILA.
Call her, please.
[_He disappears. She rises feebly, and, with an effort,
pushes away the chair_ FRASER _has placed at the head of
the settee; then she sinks into it_. MRS. CLOYS _enters
at the window with_ FRASER, _and comes to_ THEOPHILA.
MRS. CLOYS.
My dear——?
THEOPHILA.
Will you ask Mrs. Allingham to be good enough to come to me?
MRS. CLOYS.
You are equal to seeing her?
THEOPHILA.
Yes—at once.
MRS. CLOYS.
Why are you sitting here?
THEOPHILA.
[_Irritably._] Oh, I am not going to appear quite a wreck before Mrs.
Allingham. Find her, aunt.
[MRS. CLOYS _goes out._ FRASER _brings a foot-stool to_
THEOPHILA _and places it under her feet. She nods in
acknowledgment._
FRASER.
[_Sarcastically._] You must not forget to thank Mrs. Allingham for
taking her place by your bedside all last night.
THEOPHILA.
[_Indignantly._] Ah, it was shameful of aunt to have allowed that! She
hid herself behind the curtains and peeped at me. She saw how ugly I
was! I’ll never forgive aunt for permitting it! Oh——!
FRASER.
[_Glancing at the door._] Sssh——!
[_He walks away as_ OLIVE _enters, followed by_ MRS. CLOYS.
OLIVE _is dressed as in the previous Act. Upon
encountering_ FRASER _she slightly inclines her head to
him, with eyes averted; he bows stiffly. She then comes
and stands before_ THEOPHILA.
OLIVE.
[_To_ THEOPHILA.] I—I hope you are better, Mrs. Fraser.
THEOPHILA.
Thank you, yes. [_Turning her head._] Don’t go yet, aunt—nor you, Alec.
[_To_ OLIVE.] Mrs. Allingham, my husband comes to me to-day asking me to
go back home with him, in order that, after all, we may commence
together to fight the “shabby little circle” to which I have, I dare
say, attached a great deal too much importance. Well, I’ve declined to
go back—declined. But Mr. Fraser has an idea that I’m treating him
spitefully because I’ve found a powerful friend in you.
OLIVE.
Mrs. Fraser, I—I do beg of you not to act hastily, and without good
advice. Of course, you are angry, justifiably angry——
THEOPHILA.
Ah——!
OLIVE.
But pray take time to reflect. Oh, I entreat you to try—in a little
while, when you feel less bitter—to try to see your way clear to—to——
THEOPHILA.
To do what?
OLIVE.
To accept both Mr. Fraser’s help—and mine.
[THEOPHILA _partly rises, as if about to make some indignant
response, but restrains herself_.
THEOPHILA.
I—I can only make the same reply to you, Mrs. Allingham, as I have just
made to my husband—thank you, no.
OLIVE.
You cannot right yourself in the eyes of people without Mr. Fraser’s
assistance or mine. And especially mine! You couldn’t accomplish it
thoroughly with _his_ help alone; it would be impossible.
THEOPHILA.
Very well then, it’s impossible.
OLIVE.
[_To_ FRASER.] Mr. Fraser——[FRASER _advances a few steps_.] Perhaps,
by-and-bye, you will add your persuasions to mine that your wife will
accept me as your ally?
FRASER.
[_Stiffly._] Mrs. Allingham, I regret that what you suggest is, so far
as I am concerned, quite out of the question.
OLIVE.
Mrs. Cloys—[FRASER _retires as_ MRS. CLOYS _approaches_]—I am sure _you_
can understand the value of the services I am able to render your niece.
MRS. CLOYS.
Oh, perfectly.
OLIVE.
Then you will try to induce her——?
MRS. CLOYS.
Ah! you must excuse me, Mrs. Allingham——
OLIVE.
You will not?
MRS. CLOYS.
I may tell you that I anticipated her rejection of your proposal
directly you communicated it to me——
OLIVE.
Indeed?
MRS. CLOYS.
And I must say—[_looking at_ THEOPHILA]—that I fully sympathise with
the—ah—the feelings of——
OLIVE.
[_Rigidly._] Of Mrs. Fraser?
MRS. CLOYS.
[_Politely._] Of Mrs. Fraser. [QUAIFE _enters, and advances a few steps
towards_ MRS. CLOYS, _who speaks to him quickly_.] Has——?
[_She breaks off, looking at him significantly._
QUAIFE.
Yes, ma’am.
MRS. CLOYS.
[_To_ FRASER.] Mr. Fraser, may I trouble you to follow me? I have
something to say to you. [QUAIFE _withdraws. To_ THEOPHILA.] I must run
away for a few moments. Shall I send Justina to you?
OLIVE.
[_Quickly._] Oh, Mrs. Fraser, let me speak a few words to you while no
one is present——!
THEOPHILA.
Certainly.
[MRS. CLOYS _passes her hand over_ THEOPHILA’S _head
caressingly, then hurries to the door_.
MRS. CLOYS.
Mr.Fraser——
[_She goes out_, FRASER _accompanying her_. OLIVE _looks
round the room, then sits, slowly and deliberately upon
the settee_.
OLIVE.
[_After a little pause._] Forgive me.
THEOPHILA.
Forgive you——!
OLIVE.
Oh, do make the effort!
THEOPHILA.
I can’t understand your asking for my forgiveness, wanting it.
OLIVE.
Endeavour to understand me. I don’t remember that it ever struck me,
when you and I were—friends, that your disposition was a jealous one.
THEOPHILA.
No?
OLIVE.
It isn’t, is it?
THEOPHILA.
I couldn’t go the lengths you’ve gone, from jealousy, if you mean that.
OLIVE.
[_Sadly._] Ah——!
THEOPHILA.
Oh, don’t you think that enough has been done in the name of jealousy?
For months and months it has made a hell of my life, your jealousy.
People have seen me walking about looking merry; but what sort of days
and nights does a woman really spend with the Divorce Court looming
before her? “Allingham _versus_ Allingham, Fraser intervening!” that’s
the air you’ve kept me dancing to since—goodness knows when the music
first struck up! And now I’m to forgive you, offhand, because—you happen
to have a jealous disposition!
OLIVE.
[_Falteringly._] You were sustained all the time by the knowledge that
you were an innocent, persecuted woman——
THEOPHILA.
Much good did my innocence do me yesterday when they gave me “the
benefit of the doubt,” and sent me out of the Court ruined!
OLIVE.
It does you this much good—that now _I_ am satisfied as to your
innocence I am prepared to serve you humbly and faithfully. Oh, Mrs.
Fraser, I would be a true friend to you this time! [_Rising and standing
before_ THEOPHILA.] Come, forgive me!
THEOPHILA.
[_In a low voice._] Well, for the months of awful trouble you gave me,
and for those two days in the Divorce Court—yes, you’re welcome to my
forgiveness for all that. [_Her voice hardening, her hands clenched._]
But not for last night!
OLIVE.
You mustn’t make me wholly responsible for what took place last night.
THEOPHILA.
I do hold you responsible. Why—they’ve told me the story—I know that,
when my note to your husband was handed to him, he wanted to send a
message to me excusing himself from meeting me. Did you let the message
go? There was I waiting out in the lane, my people in this room, all in
a fidget to hurry to me and take me away. Did you let them come to me?
No, you huddled them out of the way, and then drew your husband into
your plot, and trapped me in here. I was the poor rat, half dead, who
had been well worried, but who’d a little life still left; so you had me
in, panting, and got another few minutes’ sport out of me——
OLIVE.
[_Her hands to her brows._] Oh, don’t, don’t! Mrs. Fraser, at any rate,
it was through last night that you cleared yourself——
THEOPHILA.
[_Rising, and speaking fiercely._] Cleared myself! Yes, and a pretty
price you were the cause of my paying for “clearing myself!” Do you
think I’d have willingly cleared myself at that cost? Ah, no decent
woman could afford it! Cleared myself!
OLIVE.
You were mad when you——. You were mad.