CLARE. They're playing Bridge in the dining-room. Mr. Malise doesn't play. Mr. Malise--Mrs. Fullarton, Mr. Fullarton. [They greet.] FULLARTON. Most awfully jolly dress, Mrs. Dedmond. MRS. FULLARTON. Yes, lovely, Clare. [FULLARTON abases eyes which mechanically readjust themselves] We can't stay for Bridge, my dear; I just wanted to see you a minute, that's all. [Seeing HUNTINGDON coming in she speaks in a low voice to her husband] Edward, I want to speak to Clare. How d'you do, Captain Huntingdon? MALISE. I'll say good-night. He shakes hands with CLARE, bows to MRS. FULLARTON, and makes his way out. HUNTINGDON and FULLERTON foregather in the doorway. MRS. FULLARTON. How are things, Clare? [CLARE just moves her shoulders] Have you done what I suggested? Your room? CLARE. No. MRS. FULLARTON. Why not? CLARE. I don't want to torture him. If I strike--I'll go clean. I expect I shall strike. MRS. FULLARTON. My dear! You'll have the whole world against you. CLARE. Even you won't back me, Dolly? MRS. FULLARTON. Of course I'll back you, all that's possible, but I can't invent things. CLARE. You wouldn't let me come to you for a bit, till I could find my feet? MRS. FULLARTON, taken aback, cannot refrain from her glance at FULLARTON automatically gazing at CLARE while he talks with HUNTINGDON. MRS. FULLARTON. Of course--the only thing is that---- CLARE. [With a faint smile] It's all right, Dolly. I'm not coming. MRS. FULLARTON. Oh! don't do anything desperate, Clare--you are so desperate sometimes. You ought to make terms--not tracks. CLARE. Haggle? [She shakes her head] What have I got to make terms with? What he still wants is just what I hate giving. MRS. FULLARTON. But, Clare---- CLARE. No, Dolly; even you don't understand. All day and every day --just as far apart as we can be--and still--Jolly, isn't it? If you've got a soul at all. MRS. FULLARTON. It's awful, really. CLARE. I suppose there are lots of women who feel as I do, and go on with it; only, you see, I happen to have something in me that--comes to an end. Can't endure beyond a certain time, ever. She has taken a flower from her dress, and suddenly tears it to bits. It is the only sign of emotion she has given. MRS. FULLARTON. [Watching] Look here, my child; this won't do. You must get a rest. Can't Reggie take you with him to India for a bit? CLARE. [Shaking her head] Reggie lives on his pay. MRS. FULLARTON. [With one of her quick looks] That was Mr. Malise, then? FULLARTON. [Coming towards them] I say, Mrs. Dedmond, you wouldn't sing me that little song you sang the other night, [He hums] "If I might be the falling bee and kiss thee all the day"? Remember? MRS. FULLARTON. "The falling dew," Edward. We simply must go, Clare. Good-night. [She kisses her.]