_Two hours later the room has been put in order. It is even more full of light and the shadows are harder than usual. The doors are open, showing you_ KENT'S _door still closed. At the big writing table in_ TREBELL'S _chair sits_ WEDGECROFT, _pale and grave, intent on finishing a letter_. FRANCES _comes to find him. For a moment she leans on the table silently, her eyes half closed. You would say a broken woman. When she speaks it is swiftly, but tonelessly._ FRANCES. Lord Horsham is in the drawing room . . and I can't see him, I really can't. He has come to say he is sorry . . and I should tell him that it is his fault, partly. I know I should . . and I don't want to. Won't you go in? What are you writing? WEDGECROFT, _with his physicianly pre-occupation, can attend, understand, sympathise, without looking up at her_. WEDGECROFT. Never mind. A necessary note . . to the Coroner's office. Yes, I'll see Horsham. FRANCES. I've managed to get the pistol out of his hand. Was that wrong . . oughtn't I to have touched it? WEDGECROFT. Of course you oughtn't. You must stay away from the room. I'd better have locked the door. FRANCES. [_Pitifully._] I'm sorry . . but I couldn't bear to see the pistol in his hand. I won't go back. After all he's not there in the room, is he? But how long do you think the spirit stays near the body . . how long? When people die gently of age or weakness . . . But when the spirit and body are so strong and knit together and all alive as his . . . WEDGECROFT. [_His hand on hers._] Hush . . hush. FRANCES. His face is very eager . . as if it still could speak. I know that. MRS. FARRANT _comes through the open doorway_. FRANCES _hears her steps and turning falls into her outstretched arms to cry there_. FRANCES. Oh, Julia! MRS. FARRANT. Oh my dear Fanny! I came with Cyril Horsham . . I don't think Simpson even saw me. FRANCES. I can't go in and talk to him. MRS. FARRANT. He'll understand. But I heard you come in here . . WEDGECROFT. I'll tell Horsham. _He has finished and addressed his letter, so he goes out with it._ FRANCES _lifts her head. These two are in accord and can speak their feelings without disguise or preparation._ FRANCES. Julia, Julia . . isn't it unbelievable? MRS. FARRANT. I'd give . . oh, what wouldn't I give to have it undone! FRANCES. I knew he meant to . . and yet I thought I had his promise. If he really meant to . . I couldn't have stopped it, could I? MRS. FARRANT. Walter sent to tell me and I sent round to . . . FRANCES. Walter came soon after, I think. Julia, I was in my room . . it was nearly breakfast time . . when I heard the shot. Oh . . don't you think it was cruel of him? MRS. FARRANT. He had a right to. We must remember that. FRANCES. You say that easily of my brother . . you wouldn't say it of your husband. _They are apart by this._ JULIA FARRANT _goes to her gently_. MRS. FARRANT. Fanny . . will it leave you so very lonely?