NINIAN: So they pointed out to one another that you were rather more of a saint than even they had supposed. ANN: Ninian, why are you torturing me? Pretending to believe that ridiculous story. NINIAN: I have watched you for some time, my dear, and I have come to the conclusion that you are suffering from a very dangerous disease. Ann, you are a human being. Incidentally, you are my wife. ANN: Of course. NINIAN: You haven’t been much of a wife to me, have you, my little Ann? [_NINIAN is getting closer to her. ANN recoils._ ANN: I have tried to be. NINIAN: You have been the wife of the Lord Lieutenant, the mistress of his household. Now, my darling, you are going to be my wife, my mistress. [_His tone is half bullying, half insinuating. He is obviously enjoying having her on the rack._ ANN: Ninian, you are so different. I—you—I mean I don’t know what you’re talking about. NINIAN: You’ll soon know, my darling. Don’t shudder. [_ANN has got up and is moving away from him._ NINIAN: Come here! [_Like a C. O._ NINIAN: Come here! [_NINIAN gets up and drags ANN to the sofa, pushing her on to her knees and imprisoning her between his two legs. With one hand he is holding her two wrists behind her back, with the other he is stroking her hair._ NINIAN: They didn’t know how to treat you, did they? Tim and the others? Only Jordan knew. Women always capitulate to the men who think lightly of love. ANN: Ninian, you’re hurting me. NINIAN: I’m asserting myself, my dear. Master and Mistress—that’s what a household needs. [_He laughs._ NINIAN: By Jove, that’s good—worthy of your uncle. ANN: Let me go. NINIAN: Where are those beautiful manners? Say “Please let me go, dear Ninian.” ANN: Please let me go. [_NINIAN releases her. She gets up and walks towards the window._ NINIAN: I didn’t say you might walk away. Sit there. It is delightful to feel that we are sharing a secret—fellow conspirators. [_Pause._ NINIAN: Where is the charming family chatter? And surely even your usual courtesy would compel you to answer when you are spoken to. ANN: Ninian, please let me go and wash my face and tidy my hair. NINIAN: By all means. Make yourself pretty. I shall still be here. [_Exit ANN._ [_Enter LORD WILLIAM and SELINA._ LORD WILLIAM: Good morning, Ninian. NINIAN: Good morning. LORD WILLIAM: You seem in excellent spirits. NINIAN: I am. LORD WILLIAM: Bolshies red as ever? NINIAN: I beg your pardon? LORD WILLIAM: Red as the faces of their most apoplectic opponents. SELINA: Papa, you’re getting vulgar. NINIAN: It is a sad thing that a man with your father’s attainments should not have devoted his gifts to the service of his country. LORD WILLIAM (_dryly_): I leave that to you and Jordan. SELINA: Mr. Jordan is altogether detestable. LORD WILLIAM: By the way, Ninian, I’ve found something out about Jordan. NINIAN: What?