MARGARET. [_With a last flicker of passion_] D’you think I’ll make a scape-goat of my own child? SYDNEY. [_Sternly_] Can you help it? I’m his child. [_She throws herself down beside her_] Mother! Mother darling, don’t you see? You’re no good to him. You’re scared of him. But I’m his own flesh and blood. I know how he feels. I’ll make him happier than you can. Be glad for me. Be glad I’m wanted somewhere. MARGARET. [_Struggling against the hope that is flooding her_] But Kit, Sydney--Kit? SYDNEY. [_With a queer little laugh that ends, though it does not begin, quite naturally_] Bless him, I’ll be dancing at his wedding in six months. MARGARET. But all you ought to have-- SYDNEY. [_Jumping up flippantly_] Oh, I’m off getting married. I’m going to have a career. MARGARET.--the love--the children-- SYDNEY. [_Strained_] No children for me, Mother. No children for me. I’ve lost my chance for ever. MARGARET. [_Weakly_] No--no-- SYDNEY. [_Smiling down at her_] But you--you take it. I give it to you. MARGARET. But-- SYDNEY. [_Dominant_] What’s the use of arguing? I’ve made up my mind. MARGARET. But if your father-- SYDNEY. [_At the end of her endurance_] Go away, Mother. Go away quickly. This is my job, not yours. [_She turns abruptly from them to the window, and stands staring out into the darkening garden._] MARGARET. [_Dazed_] So--so-- [_She sways, hesitating, unbelieving, like a bird at the open door of its cage_] So--I can come. GRAY _makes no answer_. MARGARET. [_With a new full note in her voice_] Gray, I can come. GRAY. [_Without moving_] Can you, Margaret? MARGARET. [_In heaven_] I can come. GRAY. [_Impassively_] Are you sure? MARGARET. [_In quick alarm_] What do you mean? GRAY. [_Stonily_] Why, you could deny me. You’ve chopped and changed. I want proof that you’ve still a right to come. MARGARET. [_Like a child_] You’re angry with me? GRAY. No. MARGARET. You’re angry with me. GRAY. I want proof. MARGARET. I get frightened. I’m made so. Always I’ve been afraid--of Hilary--of everyone--of life. But now--you--you’re angry, you’re so angry, you’re very angry with me--and I-- [_She goes steadily across the room to him. He makes no movement_] I’m not afraid. [_She puts up her hands, and drawing him down to her kisses him on the mouth._] Is that proof? GRAY. [_Quietly_] Proof enough. Come. _He takes the cloak and throws it round her. They go out together. As_ SYDNEY, _forgotten, stands looking after them_, BASSETT _enters with the tea-tray. She puts it down on the table and turns up the lights._ BASSETT. Is the gentleman staying to tea, miss? SYDNEY. [_Correcting her_] Mr. Fairfield. It’s my father, Bassett. BASSETT. We thought so, miss? SYDNEY. [_Smiling faintly_] Did you, Bassett? BASSETT. He’s got your way, miss! Quick-like! [_She opens the drawing-room door_] Tea’s ready, ma’am. [_Outside the motor drives away._]