COLONEL. [Abstractedly.] By George, Peachey, to think that Nell and I were once--Poor Nell! I remember just such a night as this-- [He stops, and stares before him, sighing.] MISS BEECH, [Impressively.] It's a comfort she's got that good young man. She's found out that her mother and this Mr. Lever are--you know. COLONEL. [Losing all traces of his fussiness, and drawing himself up as though he were on parade.] You tell me that my niece? MISS BEECH. Out of her own mouth! COLONEL. [Bowing his head.] I never would have believed she'd have forgotten herself. MISS BEECH. [Very solemnly.] Ah, my dear! We're all the same; we're all as hollow as that tree! When it's ourselves it's always a special case! [The COLONEL makes a movement of distress, and Miss BEECH goes to him.] Don't you take it so to heart, my dear! [A silence.] COLONEL. [Shaking his head.] I couldn't have believed Molly would forget that child. MISS BEECH. [Sadly.] They must go their own ways, poor things! She can't put herself in the child's place, and the child can't put herself in Molly's. A woman and a girl--there's the tree of life between them! COLONEL. [Staring into the tree to see indeed if that were the tree alluded to.] It's a grief to me, Peachey, it's a grief! [He sinks into a chair, stroking his long moustaches. Then to avenge his hurt.] Shan't tell Nell--dashed if I do anything to make the trouble worse! MISS BEECH. [Nodding.] There's suffering enough, without adding to it with our trumpery judgments! If only things would last between them! COLONEL. [Fiercely.] Last! By George, they'd better---- [He stops, and looking up with a queer sorry look.] I say, Peachey Life's very funny! MISS BEECH. Men and women are! [Touching his forehead tenderly.] There, there--take care of your poor, dear head! Tsst! The blessed innocents! [She pulls the COLONEL'S sleeve. They slip away towards the house, as JOY and DICK come back. They are still linked together, and stop by the hollow tree.] JOY. [In a whisper.] Dick, is love always like this? DICK. [Putting his arms around her, with conviction.] It's never been like this before. It's you and me! [He kisses her on the lips.] The curtain falls. End of Project Gutenberg's Joy (First Series Plays), by John Galsworthy