No. She’s a good woman--with her lily hands and her thin eyebrows. What does she know of life: the sordid soapy hours ending with the snore of a husband you hate. Ugh! (_He walks up and down, irritated._) Well, then, what are we going to do to keep it from her? RANDOLPH That will depend on your husband and whether he’ll be sensible. (_He goes to phone, switching it._) MRS. SABINE (_Looking before her_) You did it beautifully, Randolph; with such knowledge of me and my kind. But don’t take too much credit. I’d have done it with _any_ man who offered me what you did--if he’d come at the right time, as you did, and found me at the end of a trolley line like this. RANDOLPH (_At phone_) Step here a moment, Sabine. Yes: your wife is here. (_Cynically_) She said you’d be expecting her. (_He hangs up the receiver._) You could almost hear him smile. MRS. SABINE (_Without self-delusion_) He couldn’t hold me: he was too poor. RANDOLPH No: you’re the sort that needs a diamond-studded clasp to keep her morals fastened on. MRS. SABINE And they’re your specialty. RANDOLPH I think Sabine and I can make some arrangement. MRS. SABINE Let’s be comfortable, that’s all I say. I’m so tired of making my lies fit. I’m willing to keep on with it. Why not? It’s all so easy with a woman once she’s slipped. Lots of us would be what I am if they could find a man to go through the marriage ceremony with them _first_. (_A knock is heard at the door--it seems almost sarcastic, as it waits for a reply._) RANDOLPH Come in. (_The door opens softly and_ SABINE _enters slowly and comes down to them with the same smile. There is a pause._ MRS. SABINE _remains tense and seated_.) Have a cigarette? SABINE (_They eye each other as they light up_) Thanks. RANDOLPH (_Coming to the point_) You know. SABINE (_Puffing throughout_) Yes. RANDOLPH Well? SABINE I repeat the word--well? RANDOLPH You will come to an understanding? SABINE Which means? RANDOLPH You are--shall I say agreeable? SABINE You love my wife? RANDOLPH (_Courteously_) Naturally. SABINE And you, Mary? MRS. SABINE Would a woman do what I’ve done without love? SABINE Never. RANDOLPH Well, say something. SABINE (_Calmly_) It seems very simple. RANDOLPH Which means? SABINE That I’d still like to complete the compilations in your library. MRS. SABINE (_Rising, astonished_) You’re even willing to stay _here_? RANDOLPH (_Quickly_) And live ostensibly at home--with your wife? SABINE (_Calmly_) Why not? I have no place else to go and she merely wishes to be comfortable. RANDOLPH (_Relieved_) You will not make a fuss? SABINE I’m sorry to disappoint my wife. RANDOLPH You will not let my daughter discover? SABINE No. I consider your position embarrassing enough. RANDOLPH (_Eyeing him_) So your wife is worth nothing to you? SABINE (_Quickly_) You’re mistaken there. MRS. SABINE Thanks. But how? SABINE Protection. MRS. SABINE