_Once again_ TREBELL _looks up with that secretive smile_. TREBELL. Yes . . if they'd had to. WEDGECROFT. [_Unreasonably nervous, so he thinks._] My dear fellow, Horsham would have thought it was the shame and disgrace if you'd shot yourself after the inquest. That's the proper sentimental thing for you so-called strong men to do on like occasions. Why, if your name were to come out to-morrow, your best meaning friends would be sending you pistols by post, requesting you to use them like a gentleman. Horsham would grieve over ten dinner-tables in succession and then return to his philosophy. One really mustn't waste a life trying to shock polite politicians. There'd even be a suspicion of swagger in it. TREBELL. Quite so . . the bomb that's thrown at their feet must be something otherwise worthless. FRANCES _comes in quickly, evidently in search of her brother. Though she has not been crying, her eyes are wide with grief._ FRANCES. Oh, Henry . . I'm so glad you're still up. [_She notices_ WEDGECROFT.] How d'you do, Doctor? TREBELL. [_Doubling his mask of indifference._] Meistersinger's over early. FRANCES. Is it? TREBELL. Not much past twelve yet. FRANCES. [_The little gibe lost on her._] It was Tristan to-night. I'm quite upset. I heard just as I was coming away . . Amy O'Connell's dead. [_Both men hold their breath._ TREBELL _is the first to find control of his and give the cue_.] TREBELL. Yes . . Wedgecroft has just told me. FRANCES. She was only taken ill last week . . it's so extraordinary. [_She remembers the doctor._] Oh . . have you been attending her? WEDGECROFT. Yes. FRANCES. I hear there's to be an inquest. WEDGECROFT. Yes. FRANCES. But what has been the matter? TREBELL. [_Sharply forestalling any answer._] You'll know to-morrow. FRANCES. [_The little snub almost bewildering her._] Anything private? I mean . . TREBELL. No . . I'll tell you. Don't make Gilbert repeat a story twice . . He's tired with a good day's work. WEDGECROFT. Yes . . I'll be getting away. FRANCES _never heeds this flash of a further meaning between the two men_. FRANCES. And I meant to have gone to see her to-day. Was the end very sudden? Did her husband arrive in time? WEDGECROFT. Yes. FRANCES. They didn't get on . . he'll be frightfully upset. TREBELL _resists a hideous temptation to laugh_. WEDGECROFT. Good night, Trebell. TREBELL. Good night, Gilbert. Many thanks. _There is enough of a caress in_ TREBELL'S _tone to turn_ FRANCES _towards their friend, a little remorseful for treating him so casually, now as always_. FRANCES. He's always thanking you. You're always doing things for him. WEDGECROFT. Good night. [_Seeing the tears in her eyes._] Oh, don't grieve. FRANCES. One shouldn't be sorry when people die, I know. But she liked me more than I liked her. . [_This time_ TREBELL _does laugh, silently_.] . . so I somehow feel in her debt and unable to pay now.