Her people are now her husband’s people. She is married to a gentleman. OLIVE. Mr. Fraser has been away from her as much as possible—[_her eyes flashing_]—_you_ know that better than anybody. JOHN. [_Indignantly._] Why do you come here—after all our struggles and failures, after the injury you’ve endeavoured to do me! Why do you torture me, and insult me, by trying to repeat the old heart-breaking scenes? [_He throws himself into a chair, distractedly. There is a pause; then she slowly goes to a chair, drags it towards him, and sits beside him._ OLIVE. [_Panting._] Torture _you_? Oh! oh, I suffer too! [_Rocking herself to and fro._] Well, there can be no punishment for jealous women in another world; we are damned in this. JOHN. [_In a muffled voice, with his head on his hands._] And the fire has burnt out in you, you tell me! OLIVE. I suppose the cinders still retain a little heat, dear. JOHN. [_Brokenly._] Dear!... dear!... OLIVE. Yes. I know my actions are contradictory, but—[_her hand stealing towards his_]—in my heart, John—always—in my heart—— [_The banjo suddenly strikes up an air._ JOHN _and_ OLIVE _raise their heads and stare at each other; then_ OLIVE _slowly backs her chair to its original position. Speaking in a whisper._] What’s that? JOHN. Peter. OLIVE. Peter——! JOHN. He brought his banjo with him. OLIVE. [_Aghast._] Why——!... Oh! JOHN. [_Blankly._] Eh? OLIVE. If _we_ hear the banjo with such distinctness—— [_They rise. He hurriedly ascends the steps and disappears through the_ portière. _The music of the banjo stops abruptly, and the sound of voices comes from the library._ QUAIFE _enters, carrying a lamp which he deposits on the table; then, always watching_ OLIVE, _he lights the standard-lamp and draws the window-curtains_. SHAFTO. My dear fellow——! ELPHICK. My dear Jack——! JOHN. Sssh! SHAFTO. You might have remembered—— JOHN. Sssh! sssh! [_The voices in the library are hushed._ OLIVE. [_Commanding herself, and crossing to the fireplace._] And how are you, Quaife? QUAIFE. Very well indeed, I thank you, ma’am. OLIVE. And your wife? QUAIFE.