THEOPHILA. How cruel it was of them to buoy us up by telling us the case was going right for me! FRASER. Many believed it. Martyn was sure the judge was on our side. THEOPHILA. When one comes to think of it, her counsel managed to put such a very queer complexion—— FRASER. Awful. THEOPHILA. Oh, I don’t know what I felt like at some moments! I—I felt like a woman caught with bare shoulders in daylight. FRASER. Awful. THEOPHILA. [_Looking at him curiously._] Alec, you seem to be—different to me, now the trial’s over. FRASER. [_In a muffled voice._] Do I? I—we’re worn out. THEOPHILA. [_After some hesitation, going to the back of the settee._] I say! I want to tell you—I am—truly sorry. FRASER. [_Raising his head._] Sorry——! THEOPHILA. [_With an effort._] And I humbly beg your pardon. FRASER. [_Rising and facing her._] For what? THEOPHILA. Why, for all the bother I’ve caused. FRASER. [_Resuming his seat._] Oh——! [_She stares at him for a moment, surprised and disappointed, then turns away._ THEOPHILA. [_To herself._] Oh——! [_To him._] Alec, I’ve had the idea that the trouble we’ve lately gone through, both of us, over this horrid business, might help to bring us together. We haven’t got along over-well, have we? FRASER. Not too well, I’m afraid. THEOPHILA. A good deal my fault, I dare say. Oh, I hated Locheen——! FRASER. Yes. THEOPHILA. As heartily as you hate London. I’m a town girl, a thorough little cockney—you knew it when you married me!—and—Locheen!—— FRASER. Locheen is a beautiful place. THEOPHILA. London’s a beautiful place. FRASER. No. THEOPHILA. [_Hotly._] No to you, then. [_Sitting._] I beg pardon again; I didn’t mean to be rude. I understand how you feel. You were born at Locheen. FRASER. I was. THEOPHILA. [_Pointing towards the window._] I was born in Chester Terrace. I admit, Locheen is all very well at a certain time of year. But to be stuck there when London’s full; when nobody but a poor relation, whose railway ticket you send with the invitation, will come and look you up! Oh, that summer you made me spend there just after we were married! FRASER.