FRANCES _follows_ LADY DAVENPORT _and_ MRS. FARRANT _starts across the lawn to the billiard room_ . . _An hour later you can see no change in the room except that only one lamp is alight on the table in the middle._ AMY O'CONNELL _and_ HENRY TREBELL _walk past one window and stay for a moment in the light of the other. Her wrap is about her shoulders. He stands looking down at her._ AMY O'CONNELL. There goes the moon . . it's quieter than ever now. [_She comes in._] Is it very late? TREBELL. [_As he follows._] Half-past twelve. TREBELL _is hard-bitten, brainy, forty-five and very sure of himself. He has a cold keen eye, which rather belies a sensitive mouth; hands which can grip, and a figure that is austere._ AMY O'CONNELL. I ought to be in bed. I suppose everyone has gone. TREBELL. Early trains to-morrow. The billiard room lights are out. AMY O'CONNELL. The walk has just tired me comfortably. TREBELL. Sit down. [_She sits by the table. He sits by her and says with the air of a certain buyer at a market._] You're very pretty. AMY O'CONNELL. As well here as by moonlight? Can't you see any wrinkles? TREBELL. One or two . . under the eyes. But they give character and bring you nearer my age. Yes, Nature hit on the right curve in making you. _She stretches herself cat-like._ AMY O'CONNELL. Praise is the greatest of luxuries, isn't it, Henry? . . Henry . . [_she caresses the name._] TREBELL. Quite right . . Henry. AMY O'CONNELL. Henry . . Trebell. TREBELL. Having formally taken possession of my name . . AMY O'CONNELL. I'll go to bed. _His eyes have never moved from her. Now she breaks the contact and goes towards the door._ TREBELL. I wouldn't . . my spare time for love making is so limited. _She turns back, quite at ease, her eyes challenging him._ AMY O'CONNELL. That's the first offensive thing you've said. TREBELL. Why offensive? AMY O'CONNELL. I may flirt. Making love's another matter. TREBELL. Sit down and explain the difference . . Mrs. O'Connell. _She sits down._ AMY O'CONNELL. Quite so. 'Mrs. O'Connell'. That's the difference. TREBELL. [_Provokingly._] But I doubt if I'm interested in the fact that your husband doesn't understand you and that your marriage was a mistake . . and how hard you find it to be strong. AMY O'CONNELL. [_Kindly._] I'm not quite a fool though you think so on a three months' acquaintance. But tell me this . . what education besides marriage does a woman get? TREBELL. [_His head lifting quickly._] Education . . AMY O'CONNELL. Don't be business-like. TREBELL. I beg your pardon. AMY O'CONNELL. Do you think the things you like to have taught in schools are any use to one when one comes to deal with you? TREBELL. [_After a little scrutiny of her face._] Well, if marriage is only the means to an end . . what's the end? Not flirtation. AMY O'CONNELL. [_With an air of self-revelation._] I don't know. To keep one's place in the world, I suppose, one's self-respect and a sense of humour.