GRAY. [_At the door, in a low voice to_ MARGARET] I don’t like leaving you. MARGARET. You must! It’s better! But--come back quickly! GRAY. You’ll be ready? MARGARET. I will. [GRAY _goes out_.] HILARY. [_Uneasily_] Who’s that man? MARGARET. His name’s Gray Meredith. HILARY. What’s he doing here? MARGARET. He’s an old friend. HILARY. I don’t know him, do I? MARGARET. It’s since you were ill. It’s the last five years. HILARY. He’s in love with you! I tell you, the man’s in love with you! Do you think I’m so dazed and crazed I can’t see that? You shouldn’t let him, Meg! You’re such a child you don’t know what you’re doing when you look and smile-- MARGARET. [_In a strained voice_] I do know. [_She stands quite still in the middle of the room, her head lifted, a beautiful woman._] HILARY. [_Staring at her_] Lord, I don’t wonder at him, poor brute! [_Still staring_] Meg, you’ve changed. MARGARET. [_Catching at the opening_] Yes, Hilary. HILARY. Taller, more beautiful--and yet I miss something. MARGARET. [_Urging him on_] Yes, Hilary. HILARY. [_Wistfully_]--something you used to have--kind--a kind way with you. The child’s got it. Sydney--my daughter, Sydney! She’s more you than you are. You--you’ve grown right up--away--beyond me--haven’t you? MARGARET. Yes, Hilary. HILARY. But I’m going to catch up. You’ll help me to catch up with you--Meg? [_She doesn’t answer._] Meg! wait for me! Meg, where are you? Why don’t you hold out your hands? MARGARET. [_Wrung for him_] I can’t, Hilary! My hands are full. HILARY. [_His tone lightening into relief_] What, Sydney? She’ll be off in no time. She’s told me about the boy--what’s his name--Kit--already. MARGARET. It’s not Sydney. HILARY. What? [_Crescendo_] Eh? What are you driving at? What are you trying to tell me? What’s changed you? Why do you look at me sideways? Why do you flinch when I speak loudly? Yes--and when I kissed you--It’s that man! [_He goes up to her and takes her by the wrist, staring into her face._] Is it true? You? MARGARET. [_Pitifully_] I’ve done nothing wrong. I’m trying to tell you. I only want to tell you and make you understand. Hilary, fifteen years is a long time-- HILARY. [_Dully_] Yes. I suppose it’s a long time for a woman to be faithful. MARGARET. That’s it! That’s the whole thing! If I’d loved you it wouldn’t have been long-- HILARY. [_Violently, crying her down_] You did love me once. MARGARET. [_Beaten_] Did I--once? I don’t know-- _There is a silence._ HILARY. [_Without expression_] What do you expect me to do? Forgive you? MARGARET. [_Stung_] There’s nothing to forgive. [_Softening_] Oh, so much, Hilary, to forgive each other; but not that. HILARY. [_More and more roughly as he loses control of himself_] Divorce you then? Because I’ll not do that! I’ll have no dirty linen washed in the courts. MARGARET. [_Forced into the open_] Hilary, I divorced you twelve months ago. HILARY. [_Shouting_] What? What? What?