MOLLEN. May be less, may be less! Finally, explanation--you discover her in tears--you play the noble Roman, release her unconditionally, Rosamund sends Everard to her--you join their hands. Slow music. Curtain. See?
SIR J. (_rise and down_ R.) I don't like the idea of an engagement, even though it be secret. But look here--if I did this--how about Everard? What should I say to him?
MOLLEN. (_to bottom of_ C. _table_) Let him believe--as he already believes--that you admire what's-her-name--but mention the month's probation. Hint darkly at possibility of happy ending. (_to_ R. C. L. _of_ SIR J.) Bring Everard down to Swanage--I answer for the rest!
SIR J. (_hesitating_) It sounds plausible--though it's a fearful undertaking! But, before deciding, I should like a word with Lady Claude. Will you allow me?
MOLLEN. Certainly, certainly. I'll smoke a cigarette down-stairs--my habit, before dressing. (_cross up_ R.) You'll find habits useful by the way--I've one or two that I'll tell you. I'll see you before you go!
(_He retires cheerfully humming a tune_, R.)
SIR J. (_to_ L. C.) Lady Claude, I've asked for this because--I scarcely know where I am, or what I'm saying! Your father rattles on--he seems convincing--he may be right--but my instinct tells me that, in this fearful muddle, _you_ are the surer guide!
SIR. J. You! If I spoke rather cynically this afternoon--if I have grown to think rather hardly of women--remember that there was one whom I--loved--and she--wouldn't have me!
Oh, don't be alarmed--I won't drag up the past. No doubt, then, I was merely a wild, impetuous youngster, like my poor Everard to-day. But--I have not forgotten--how deeply I--felt it.... And here I seem, through my carelessness, to have created sorrow for two young lives.... I'm a selfish man, of course--I've shown it plainly enough!--but still I've tried--honestly tried--to do my duty--by both of them.... Now I am urged to play an odious comedy--for it _is_ odious, is it not?
LADY C. Deception can never be pleasant.... You have all my sympathy.
SIR J. I need it, I need it! Women, after all, are an unknown quantity to me. Your father has compiled a series of tables, has dissected and analysed--he may be right, I don't know--but I want _you_ to guide me! You, and you only!