LATIMER (_after a little silence_). Well, as Nicholas said just now, “Here we all are, and we’ve got to make the best of it.” What are we all going to do? ANNE. Please leave me out of it. (_She is beaten, but that doesn’t matter. The only thing that matters now is to get out of this horrible house._) I can make my own arrangements. (_She gives them a cool little bow as she goes out._) If you will excuse me. (_DOMINIC comes in with a clinical thermometer on a tray._) DOMINIC. I thought that her ladyship might require a thermometer for his lordship’s temperature. EUSTASIA. Thank you. I think it would be safer just to take it. And I wondered if we couldn’t just put this screen round his lordship’s chair. DOMINIC. Certainly, my lady, one can’t be too careful. (_He helps her with it._) EUSTASIA. Yes, that’s right. LATIMER (_to NICHOLAS_). Did _you_ have the screen? NICHOLAS. Oh, rather. LATIMER. And the thermometer? NICHOLAS. Yes.... Funny thing was I liked it just at first. I don’t mean the actual thermometer, I mean all the fussing. LATIMER. It’s a wonderful invention, a cold in the head. It finds you out. There’s nothing like it, Nicholas, nothing. EUSTASIA (_to DOMINIC_). Thank you. And you’re bringing the other things? DOMINIC. Yes, my lady, as soon as ready. [_He goes out._ EUSTASIA. Thank you. (_To LEONARD_) Now, dear, under the tongue. (_She puts it in his mouth._) LEONARD (_mumbling_). I don’t think I ever—— EUSTASIA. No, dear, don’t try to talk. (_And now it is the turn of NICHOLAS._) NICHOLAS (_coming close to LATIMER_). I say—— LATIMER. Well? NICHOLAS (_indicating the screen_). I say, not too loud. LATIMER (_in a whisper_). Well? NICHOLAS. Well, what about it? LATIMER. What about what? NICHOLAS. I mean, where do I come in? As a man of honour, oughtn’t I to—er—— You see what I mean? Of course I want to do the right thing. LATIMER. Naturally, my dear Nicholas. It’s what one expected of you. NICHOLAS. I thought that if I slipped away now, unostentatiously.... LATIMER. With just a parting word of farewell—— NICHOLAS. Well, that was what I was wondering. Would anything in the nature of a farewell be in good taste? LATIMER. I see your point. NICHOLAS. Don’t think that I’m not just as devoted to Eustasia as ever I was. LATIMER. But you feel that in the circumstances you could worship her from afar with more propriety. NICHOLAS (_waving a hand at the screen_). Yes. You see, I had no idea that they were so devoted. LATIMER. But their devotion may not last for ever. NICHOLAS. Exactly. That’s why I thought I’d slip away now. LATIMER. Oh, Nicholas! Oh, Nicholas! NICHOLAS (_a little offended_). Well, I don’t want to say anything against Eustasia—— LATIMER. The house is full of people who don’t want to say anything against Eustasia. NICHOLAS. But, you see—— Look out, here’s Miss Anne. _ANNE comes in._ LATIMER. Anne, you’re just in time. Nicholas wants your advice.