Ruth. Nothing has changed me, Martin. Martin. Then marry me. Ruth. No. Martin. You don't love me. Ruth. I haven't said I did. Martin. Yes, you have. Not in words, I grant you, but if looks mean anything you've told it me a hundred times. Do you think he'll marry you? He won't. Marriage is not what Guy Barlow wants. I could tell you tales---- Ruth. You needn't. I'll make him marry me. Martin. He didn't marry the others. Ruth. Had they my beauty? Martin. Beauty! Yes, you're beautiful. By God, you are. Ruth. I've the gift of beauty, Martin, and I'm going to use it. Martin. Because he's rich, and I'm poor. Ruth. No, because he's powerful over others and I want power over him. When you and I have gone our walks and been together on the moors, did we talk of nothing but the stars? You told me dreams, dreams of all the things you'd do if some great god gave you the power. It's I shall have that power, Martin, and use it in the way you taught me. Your thoughts, your dreams--and my pretty face gives me the chance to take your dreams and make them live. That's what I'm going to do. Martin. It's nothing but another dream. Ruth. It's real this time, Martin. Martin. But we did talk of the stars sometimes, and of ourselves and---- Ruth. That was the dream. That was happiness. Martin. Why shouldn't we be happy? It's a crime to throw yourself away on him for the sake of us. Ruth. No, it's a crusade. I hope We shall be happy, but not together, Martin. I shan't do it all in a day, even after he has married me, but I shall manage him in time, and all this misery shall cease. You do believe I shall, don't you, Martin? You do approve? Martin (_after a pause_). God give you strength. Ruth. I think He will. You understand now, Martin? Martin. I understand. (_Slight pause._) Ruth, are you sure? Ruth (_calmly_). I'm going through with it. Good-night, Martin. Martin (_approaching her, then backing as she gives no encouragement_). Good-night, Ruth. (_Exit Martin. Ruth closes the door, then takes off her hat as Mary enters._) Mary (_sourly_). So you've come in. And where have you been? Ruth. Out. Mary. You've a fancy for going out o' nights. Ruth. I suppose I'm old enough to please myself when I go out. Mary. I suppose you think you are. Times are changed since I was young. I'd have got the rolling-pin at my head if I'd answered your grandmother back the way you answer me. I'd never any time for going out at nights. Too busy spinning. (_She busies herself getting out crockery, etc., putting it on table without cloth._) Ruth. Machines spin now. Mary. And women and children watch the machines. But of course I mustn't say owt of that. Send you to the factory and I'd know where to put my hand on you. But no. What's good enough for others isn't good enough for you. Ruth. They're fitted for the factory.