GEORGE. Not in the eyes of the Law. Not in the eyes of the Church. Not even in the eyes of--er---- OLIVIA. The County? GEORGE (_annoyed_). I was about to say "Heaven." OLIVIA. Oh! GEORGE (_rising and crossing below_ OLIVIA _to_ C.). That this should happen to _us_! (OLIVIA _works in silence. Then she shakes out her curtains_.) OLIVIA (_looking at them_). I do hope Jacko will like these. GEORGE (_turning and seeing curtains_). What! You----(_Going up to her quickly and taking her by the hands raises her from the settee_.) Olivia, Olivia, have you no heart? OLIVIA. Ought you to talk like that to another man's wife? GEORGE. Confound it, is this just a joke to you? OLIVIA. You must forgive me, George; I am a little over-excited--at the thought of returning to Jacob. GEORGE. Do you _want_ to return to him? OLIVIA. One wants to do what is right. In the eyes of--er--Heaven. GEORGE. Seeing what sort of a man he is, I have no doubt that you could get a separation, supposing that he didn't--er--divorce you. I don't know _what_ is best. I must consult my solicitor. The whole position has been sprung on us, and (_miserably sits on stool_ L.C.) I don't know, I don't know. I can't take it all in. (_Leaning forward and burying his face in his hands_.) OLIVIA. Wouldn't you like to consult your Aunt Julia too? She could tell you what the County--I mean what Heaven really thought about it. GEORGE. Yes, yes. Aunt Julia has plenty of common sense. You're quite right, Olivia. This isn't a thing we can keep from the family. OLIVIA. Do I still call her _Aunt_ Julia? (ANNE _comes in from staircase up_ R. GEORGE _does not see her, but_ OLIVIA _attracts his attention_.) GEORGE (_looking up at_ OLIVIA). What? What? (_Rising and crossing up to_ ANNE.) Well, what is it? ANNE. Mr. Pim says he will come down at once, sir. GEORGE. Oh, thank you, thank you. (OLIVIA _picks up curtains._ ANNE _goes out up staircase up_ R.) OLIVIA. George, Mr. Pim has got to know. GEORGE. I don't see the necessity. OLIVIA. Not even for me? When a woman suddenly hears that her long-lost husband is restored to her, don't you think she wants to ask questions? Where is he living, and how is he looking, and-- GEORGE (_very angry, going to writing-table, sits_). Of course, if you are interested in these things-- OLIVIA. How can I help being? Don't be so silly, George. (_Moves up to_ R. _of_ GEORGE _with the curtains on her arm_.) We _must_ know what Jacko-- GEORGE (_annoyed_) I wish you wouldn't call him by that ridiculous name. OLIVIA. My husband-- GEORGE (_wincing_). Yes, well--your husband? OLIVIA. Well, we must know his plans--where we can communicate with him, and so on. GEORGE. I have no wish to communicate with him. OLIVIA. I'm afraid you'll have to, dear. GEORGE. I don't see the necessity.