MISS FAIRFIELD. [_Fidgeting_] That’s not the way to talk. But we’re nervy, all of us, we’re nervy. Your poor father would have been no worse than the rest if it hadn’t been for the war. SYDNEY. [_Slowly_] What do you mean, “nervy”? MISS FAIRFIELD. [_With a sidelong glance_] I mean the way you’re taking this. SYDNEY. [_Sharply_] How am I taking it? MISS FAIRFIELD. [_Irritated_] Well, look at you now. SYDNEY. [_Coldly_] I’m perfectly under control. MISS FAIRFIELD. That’s it. It’s not natural. SYDNEY. [_Slowly_] You mean, I shouldn’t bother to control myself if-- MISS FAIRFIELD. [_Hastily_] You’re too young to think about such things. SYDNEY.--if I weren’t afraid, you mean. Did Mother know--when she married? MISS FAIRFIELD. I tell you there are troubles in every family, but one doesn’t talk about them. SYDNEY. But did she _know_ the trouble was insanity? MISS FAIRFIELD. [_Shortly_] I don’t know. SYDNEY. Did Father? MISS FAIRFIELD. One always knows in a general sort of way. SYDNEY. [_Relentlessly_] Am I nervy? MISS FAIRFIELD. Young people don’t have nerves. SYDNEY. Insanity! A thing you can hand on! And I told Kit it was shell-shock! MISS FAIRFIELD. I don’t see what difference it makes to Christopher. SYDNEY. You don’t see what difference--? You don’t see--? [_To herself_] But _I_ see [_There is a pause]_ Aunt Hester, suppose Father really gets well--? MISS FAIRFIELD. Well? SYDNEY. Whatever will he do? MISS FAIRFIELD. It’s a question of what your mother will do. SYDNEY. But it won’t have anything to do with Mother. MISS FAIRFIELD. [_Grimly_] Won’t it? SYDNEY. What on earth are you driving at? MISS FAIRFIELD. I can’t discuss it with you. SYDNEY. Why not? MISS FAIRFIELD. You’re too young. SYDNEY. I’m old enough to be engaged. MISS FAIRFIELD. You’re not engaged. SYDNEY. [_Insolently_] Kissed then. You saw that half an hour ago, didn’t you? I might just as well say I can’t discuss it with you because you’re too old. MISS FAIRFIELD. How dare you speak to me like that? SYDNEY. [_Beside herself_] Oh, are all old people such stone walls? Here’s a shadow, here’s a trouble, here’s a ghost in the house--and when I ask you what shall I do, you talk about your blessed dignity! MISS FAIRFIELD. [_Rising_] This is the second time in one morning that you have driven me out of the room. SYDNEY. [_Wringing her hands_] Well, I’m sorry! But I’m so worried. Don’t you see I’ve got to keep it off Mother? and Kit! Oh, I’ve got to tell Kit! [_Following her irresolutely_] Auntie, if you’d only be decent. [_But_ MISS FAIRFIELD _has gone out_. SYDNEY _turns back into the room_] If I only knew what to do!