NICHOLAS (_looking at the money in his hand_). One pound two shillings and sixpence. I suppose if I told you what I really thought about it all, you’d get on your high horse again and refuse the money from _me_. So I won’t tell you. Here you are. ANNE (_gently_). You didn’t think I was in love with you, Nicholas? (_NICHOLAS looks uncomfortable._) In three days? Oh, Nicholas! NICHOLAS. Well—well, I don’t see—— (_He holds out the money. But ANNE won’t take it on those terms._) ANNE. From a friend? NICHOLAS. From a friend. ANNE. Lent to a friend? NICHOLAS. Lent to a friend. ANNE (_taking it_). Thank you, Nicholas. (_She hurries out, clasping the precious money. NICHOLAS will never see her again.... And then, suddenly, her head comes round the door_) Thank you very much, Nicholas! (_She is gone._) NICHOLAS. Well, I’m damned! (_He sits there gloomily, his legs stretched out, and regards his shoes. So far as we can tell he goes on saying, “Well, I’m damned” to himself. EUSTASIA and LEONARD come in. He is properly dressed now, but still under EUSTASIA’S care, and she has his arm, as if he were attempting a very difficult feat in walking across the hall._) NICHOLAS (_looking round_). Hallo! (_Getting up_) Do you want to come here? LEONARD (_hastily_). Don’t go, old boy, don’t go. Plenty of room for us all. EUSTASIA. Thank you so much. Leonard is not very strong yet. His temperature is up again to-day. (_To LEONARD_) You will be better on the sofa, darling. (_Distantly to NICHOLAS_) I’m so sorry to trouble you. NICHOLAS. Not at all. I was just going anyhow. LEONARD (_sitting on the sofa_). Oh, nonsense. Stay and talk to us. Plenty of room for us all. NICHOLAS (_feeling in his pockets_). Got to get my pipe. Left it upstairs, like an ass. LEONARD (_taking out his case_). Have a cigarette instead? NICHOLAS. Rather have a pipe, thanks. (_He makes for the door._) LEONARD (_anxiously_). But you’ll come back? NICHOLAS (_unwillingly_). Oh—er—righto. [_He goes out._ LEONARD. Come and keep us company. (_To EUSTASIA, who is tucking him up_) Thanks, Eustasia, thanks. That’s quite all right. EUSTASIA. Another cushion for your back, darling? LEONARD. No, thanks. EUSTASIA. Quite sure? LEONARD. Quite sure, thanks. EUSTASIA. I can easily get it for you. LEONARD (_weakly_). Oh, very well. EUSTASIA. That’s right. (_Getting the cushion_) You must be comfortable. Now, are you sure that’s all right? LEONARD. Quite all right, thank you. EUSTASIA. Sure, darling? Anything else you want, I can get it for you at once. A rug over your knees? LEONARD. No, thank you, Eustasia. (_Now_ he _is saying it._) EUSTASIA. You wouldn’t like a hot-water bottle? LEONARD (_with a sigh_). No, thank you, Eustasia. EUSTASIA. You’ve only got to say, you know. Now shall we talk, or would you like me to read to you? (_She settles down next to him._)