Allen. Not bad, Clara. I guess thee’s been more sinned against than sinning. Thy life has been very dark and thee’s stumbled here and there. God grant that it may grow brighter for thee one day. Clara, (_l._) Ah, Allen, don’t keep speaking kindly to me. Don’t think kindly of me. Despise me--I can bear that--I am used to it. (_Sits at cabinet._) Allen. (_r.c. next to Clara._) No, lass, I can’t do that. I shall alius think kindly of thee. I’ve loved thee too well to change now--because I knows thy lot’s harder than I thought it wur. Clara. (_Turns and looks at Allen._) Try not to think of me at all, Allen--I am not worth it--forget me. There is one who loves you better than I could ever do, and who is good and pure. (_Rises._) You men never see the love that is under your feet--you reach only for what is beyond you. Go back to her, Allen. She will make you a better wife than I could ever have done. (_Allen at back of Clara up stage R._) Allen. (_After a pause._) Who--who is this man--your husband? Clara. Luke Cranbourne! (_She does not look at Allen._) Allen. Luke Cranbourne! (_Looks nervously at door c. and then at clock--then crosses to door and stands near it. He assumes to do this naturally and not to let Clara notice his anxiety._) Clara. We were married secretly before he left for America. Not even my father knew it until a day or two ago. Allen. And do you care for him? (_Allen at door c._) Clara. With such love as a woman can feel without respect. He was the first that I can remember ever speaking a kind word to me. He is the only human being I have to cling to--and he is good to me in his way. (_Looks up at Allen._) I don’t expect we shall ever see each other again. For your sake, I wish we had never met--for myself, my life will always seem a bit brighter for the love that an honest man once had for me. Allen. (_Taking her hand in his._) Good-bye--if ever thee wants a friend, Allen Rollitt, Woodbarrow Farm, Exmoor, will find him. (_Kissing her on the forehead._) God bless thee, Clara! Clara. Good-bye! (_She goes without a word r.After a few seconds enter Luke c. announced by Pet._) Luke. (_Coming down._) How de do, dear boy? (_Shaking hands. Allen does so listlessly and almost unconsciously._) I wanted to see you particularly this morning, before I went to the city. I’ve come across something that will just double your fortune. Here. (_Laying papers on table l. and taking up and pouring out a glass of wine._) You do have such capital wine, Rollitt, I really must help myself to a glass. It is a splendid scheme. Allen, (_r.c._) Very like, but we won’t discuss it now. (_Taking notes from his pocket-book._) I want thee to leave by the noon train for the Continent. Luke. (_Turns round, face to audience, glass in left hand._) What’s up?