Peter. Marry me in the month as we arranged, and I'll go down on my knees and ask your pardon. Mar. I can't marry you in a month. Peter. Then it's true. You don't love me. You don't believe in me. Mar. I--I think I'll go home. [_Exit Margaret right, returning quickly with her hat, which she puts on. Peter watches her go and meets her as she returns._ Peter (_appealingly_). Margaret! Mar. No, Peter. I can't do it. Peter (_acquiescing_). Then--good-bye. Mar. I shall see you often at the Committee Rooms. Don't tell me I mustn't work for you. Peter. If it was only for myself I wouldn't have your help at any price. But, as you told us, you'll not be work-for me but for the cause. (_Grandiloquently._) In the name of the cause I accept your help. Mar. (_simply_). Thank you, Peter. I shall work hard. Good night, Mrs. Garside. [_Mrs. Garside makes no sign. Peter moves towards Margaret, checks himself, and she goes out._ Mrs. G. That's a good job done. Peter. Don't talk about it, mother, please. Mrs. G. You can look higher than a school marm now you're going into Parliament. Peter (_distressed_). Please, please! Mrs. G. (_cheerfully_). Oh, well, we'll have supper and chance it. Peter. Have yours. I only want this end of the table. (_Collecting paper, ink, and pen and sitting at right end of table._) I must do something to forget. Mrs. G. What are you doing? Peter. Drafting my address. Hand me down that dictionary, will you? (_Indicating hanging shelf._) Mrs. G. (_getting large dictionary from shelf and putting on table near him._) You don't want a dictionary. It's all there in that brain of yours. Peter. A dictionary's useful. People like to read long words. It looks erudite, and costs nothing. Mrs. G. They'll never understand dictionary words, Peter. (_Poking fire._) Peter. That doesn't matter. They'll be impressed. (_Dipping pen and bending._) Don't disturb me while I write. CURTAIN. ACT II _Ornate drawing-room in Sir Jasper Mottram's house. Centre is a large window giving access to a balcony. It is, however, evening, and the drawn curtains conceal the balcony. Door left. Light wall colouring and carpet. Fireplace right. No fire. Chesterfield right centre. Light arm-chairs left and left centre. Japanese screen before fireplace. Large Japanese jar in left corner._