DR. ALLIOT. [_With a keen look at her_] Nor yet too gentle. Well, well, God be with you, child! [_He trots out._] HILARY _comes in, hesitating. If he is without dignity, he is, nevertheless, too much like a hectored, forlorn child to be ludicrous._ HILARY. Have they gone? [_Reassuring her_] It’s all right. I’m going too. [_He waits for her to answer. She says nothing_] I’m going. I’ve got to. I see that. He’s made me see. MARGARET. Dr. Alliot? HILARY. I’m going to stay with him till I can look round. He’s going to make it right with that place. MARGARET. I’m glad you’ve got a good friend, Hilary. HILARY. Yes, he’s a good chap. He’s talked to me. He’s made me see. [_He comes a little closer._] He says--and I do see--It’s too late, of course-- [_his look at her is a petition, but she makes no sign_] isn’t it? [_He comes nearer._] Yes--it’s too late. It wouldn’t be fair--to ask you-- [_again the look_] would it? MARGARET. [_Imploringly_] Oh, Hilary, Hilary! HILARY. [_Encouraged to come closer_] No woman could be expected--you couldn’t be expected-- [_she makes no sign_] could you? [_Repeating his lesson_] It’s what he says--you’ve made a new life for yourself-- [_he waits_] haven’t you? There’s no room in it--for me--is there? [_He is close to her. She does not move._] So it’s just a case of--saying good-bye and going, because--because--I quite see--there’s no chance-- [_Suddenly he throws himself down beside her, catching at her hands, clinging to her knees_] Oh! Meg, Meg, Meg! isn’t there just a chance? MARGARET. [_Faintly_] Hilary, I can’t stand it. HILARY. [_And from now to the end of the scene he is at full pelt, tumbling over his words, frantic_] Yes, but listen to me! Listen to me! You don’t listen. Listen to me! I’ve been alone so long-- MARGARET. Gray! Gray! Why don’t you come? HILARY. I’ll not trouble you. I’ll not get in your way--but--don’t leave me all alone. Give me something--the rustle of your dress, the cushion where you’ve lain--your voice about the house. You can’t deny me such little things, that you give your servant and your dog. MARGARET. It’s madness-- HILARY. It’s naked need! MARGARET. What good should I be to you? I don’t love you, Hilary--poor Hilary. I love him. I never think of anything but him. HILARY. But it’s me you married. You promised--you promised--better or worse--in sickness in health--You can’t go back on your promise. MARGARET. It isn’t fair. HILARY. Anything’s fair! You don’t know what misery means. MARGARET. I’m learning. HILARY. But you don’t _know_. You couldn’t leave me to it if you knew. Why, I’ve never known you hurt a creature in all your life! Remember the rat-hunts in the barn, the way we used to chaff you? and the starling? and the kitten you found? Why, I’ve seen you step aside for a little creeping green thing on the path. You’ve never hurt anything. Then how can you hurt me so? You can’t have changed since yesterday--