MR. R. HASLAM. (_Warningly, under his breath._) Not _too_ honestly.
CEDRIC. (_Quietly._) Yes, I _do_ think part of the honeymoon ought to be sacrificed. And I never dreamed that you would think otherwise. It's a difference of opinion that simply staggers me. It doesn't only stagger me--it frightens me. It makes one reflect, you know.
FLORA. Then you _are_ relieved? You're grateful.
CEDRIC. (_Moved and stammering._) I ought to be. Of course you're the only person who could cry off.
FLORA. Do you sit there and say that if I hadn't cut the knot, you'd have gone on, and you'd have let me go on, with a marriage you didn't believe in? Because you're a man, and there are some things a man can't do! Can't a man show as much pluck as a woman? That _does_ settle it! (_Controlling herself._)
MRS. R. HASLAM. Flora, you'll regret you've thrown Cedric over. You'll certainly want to come back to him.
FLORA. (_Disdainfully._) Shall I! (_Politely._) Good-night, Mrs. Haslam.
FLORA. I don't know. How can I stay here? My official connection with this house is ended. I shall go to a hotel. Good-night. _So_ many thanks!
MRS. R. HASLAM. (_Rising and going to her; firmly._) I'm sure you'll oblige me by not scandalising the servants. You can choose a hotel to-morrow morning. I'll go with you to your room, if I may. All your trunks will be up there by this time.
(_Exeunt_ FLORA, _submissive, and_ MRS. REACH HASLAM, _back_.)
(MR. REACH HASLAM _slowly prepares for work at desk_.)
CEDRIC. I'm off into the garden. (_Pulls out his cigarette case._) (_Exit_, L.)
MRS. R. HASLAM. (_Aside as_ CEDRIC _goes_.) Nincompoop!
MRS. R. HASLAM. Dear, before I go on with that article, I should like to make a few notes on Flora's demeanour, while the thing's fresh in my mind. One never knows when that kind of stuff won't come in useful.
MR. R. HASLAM. In the garden. (_Half to himself._) Of all places!
MRS. R. HASLAM. (_Collecting her thoughts and beginning to dictate._) "Essentially hysterical in a crisis, but does not pull a face before weeping, probably owing to advice from toilette specialist." Yes, full stop.
_Garden of the_ REACH HASLAMS' _house in Palace Gardens. House front to the left. At the back, shrubberies and trees. In centre, an arbour or pergola, with the open side to the footlights. Under the shelter of this a table, with remains of a meal._