If you knew how things were between George and myself, and you were willing to accept his favours what do you expect me to say? I didn’t ask you not to. I knew if I had you would only have refused. I’m cynical enough to know that in this world each of us takes care of his own interests. LADY FRANCIS. My dear, don’t be so bitter. ANNE. One has to take people as one finds them; George has always been charming to me. If you’d only make allowances for him.... CATHERINE. [_Interrupting vehemently._] Oh, my dear, don’t. I’m not in the humour to stand that. Leave me to lead my own life without interference. Surely it’s enough that to bind me to him George should give you an income to marry on. You can’t want more from me than that. ANNE. Oh, my dear, I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to say anything that would hurt you. CATHERINE. [_Recovering herself._] You haven’t. Forgive me. I didn’t mean to make a scene, but my nerves are a little upset. I’m a very weak, selfish woman, audit’s dreadfully hard to be half as angelic as you think me. I’m very glad that you’re going to marry Teddie. You’re in love with one another, and if you haven’t much money, what does it matter? I’m sure you’ll be tremendously happy. ANNE. You are a dear. [FRANCIS ETCHINGHAM _comes in_. _He is wearing a dinner jacket and a black tie._ ANNE _springs up impulsively_. ANNE. Is it over? ETCHINGHAM. No, I was too anxious to stay any longer. LADY FRANCIS. But George is going to get in? ETCHINGHAM. Who can tell? The seat has always been lost or held by a handful of votes. ANNE. But how did it seem to be going? ETCHINGHAM. Winter, Morrison, Winter, Morrison. One vote on one side, one vote on the other. It seemed interminable. LADY FRANCIS. He won by seventy-five last time. ETCHINGHAM. Who can tell the effect of all these rumours and suspicions and attacks? They may just have made the difference. Oh, it’s maddening. CATHERINE. Sit down, father, and rest. You look quite done up. ETCHINGHAM. Even George is anxious. I know his face so well. He’s trying to appear as if he were certain. ANNE. No human being could help being anxious. LADY FRANCIS. [_With a sudden start._] I thought I heard some shouting. ANNE. Oh, I wish I hadn’t come away. LADY FRANCIS. Let’s open the window. Perhaps we shall hear something. [LADY FRANCIS _and_ ANNE _go to the window and open it_. LADY FRANCIS. No, I was mistaken. ANNE. Listen. I’m sure I hear cheering. [_She goes out on to the balcony. She and_ LADY FRANCIS _are half hidden from view, so that it may be supposed the following scene between_ CATHERINE _and_ LORD FRANCIS _is not heard by them_. ETCHINGHAM. [_In a low voice to_ CATHERINE.] Oh, my dear, will you ever forgive me? CATHERINE. Oh, father, don’t. It was very noble of you not to tell me anything before I decided. Now that I know the whole truth.... ETCHINGHAM.