Why? Edward’s awfully weak, and Zoe—[_She laughs sadly._] Will you turn around again now, please. [_EVELYN does so and buries his face in his hands._] Don’t be upset about it, Evie—it’s between Edward and me, really, and nobody knew—until now. I made him swear never to tell a soul, otherwise he’d have told you ages ago—he always tells you everything. I’ve behaved rather badly since then, I know, but something went dead, inside me and—well, it doesn’t seem to matter much, does it? EVELYN [_After a pause_] May I get up now and get a drink? CAROL There’s nothing more to say, anyhow. [_EVELYN goes over and pours himself out a drink. He turns suddenly._] EVELYN You wouldn’t lie to me, would you? CAROL [_With dignity_] Even I have a little decency left. [_She turns to go again._] EVELYN Carol! CAROL [_Turning_] Yes. EVELYN What can I say to you? CAROL Nothing. EVELYN I’m desperately sorry. CAROL All right. EVELYN I’ve been an abject, blundering fool. It wasn’t my business, anyhow. CAROL [_With a wan smile_] Your motives were sound. EVELYN Can you forgive me? CAROL Yes, of course. EVELYN I mean really forgive me? CAROL [_Holding out her hand._] Completely. EVELYN You’re very generous. [_He takes it._] CAROL There’s one more thing I want to clear up. EVELYN What? CAROL I came here to-night for one reason only. EVELYN Yes? CAROL I love you! EVELYN [_Dropping her hand_] Carol! CAROL It’s all right—don’t be afraid. I’m going now—but I didn’t want you to think me too cheap—that’s all. EVELYN I’m utterly bewildered. CAROL It hasn’t been very easy for either of us, has it? EVELYN You can’t mean what you say. CAROL You know I do—you’ve known it all along, subconsciously. EVELYN Carol—I’m dreadfully—horribly embarrassed. CAROL Poor old Evie. EVELYN I don’t know what to do. CAROL We’ll both laugh over to-night one day, won’t we? EVELYN Will we? CAROL [_With beautifully forced gayety_] Yes—you see. EVELYN You are an extraordinary woman. CAROL Just rather silly, I’m afraid. Good night. EVELYN I’m going to see you home. CAROL No, please. I’d rather go alone. Please, I mean it, honestly. EVELYN But— CAROL It’s only just round the corner. EVELYN I can’t let you go alone. CAROL [_With gentle firmness_] You must—please. EVELYN [_Looking down_] All right. CAROL We’re friends, aren’t we? EVELYN [_Still looking down_] Yes. CAROL In spite of everything? EVELYN Yes. CAROL Because of everything? EVELYN Oh, Carol! CAROL Good night, my dear. [_She comes to him and kisses him gently on the mouth. Suddenly he crushes her to him. After a moment she disentangles herself._] No, no! I didn’t mean it, really. I’m not going to be cheap any more. Stand quite still where you are, not looking. I don’t want you to move until I’ve gone.