VALENTINE (with a stir of feeling beginning to agitate his voice). Of course not: I'm not such an idiot. And yet my heart tells me I should--my fool of a heart. But I'll argue with my heart and bring it to reason. If I loved you a thousand times, I'll force myself to look the truth steadily in the face. After all, it's easy to be sensible: the facts are the facts. What's this place? it's not heaven: it's the Marine Hotel. What's the time? it's not eternity: it's about half past one in the afternoon. What am I? a dentist--a five shilling dentist! GLORIA. And I am a feminine prig. VALENTINE. (passionately). No, no: I can't face that: I must have one illusion left--the illusion about you. I love you. (He turns towards her as if the impulse to touch her were ungovernable: she rises and stands on her guard wrathfully. He springs up impatiently and retreats a step.) Oh, what a fool I am!--an idiot! You don't understand: I might as well talk to the stones on the beach. (He turns away, discouraged.) GLORIA (reassured by his withdrawal, and a little remorseful). I am sorry. I do not mean to be unsympathetic, Mr. Valentine; but what can I say? VALENTINE (returning to her with all his recklessness of manner replaced by an engaging and chivalrous respect). You can say nothing, Miss Clandon. I beg your pardon: it was my own fault, or rather my own bad luck. You see, it all depended on your naturally liking me. (She is about to speak: he stops her deprecatingly.) Oh, I know you mustn't tell me whether you like me or not; but-- GLORIA (her principles up in arms at once). Must not! Why not? I am a free woman: why should I not tell you? VALENTINE (pleading in terror, and retreating). Don't. I'm afraid to hear. GLORIA (no longer scornful). You need not be afraid. I think you are sentimental, and a little foolish; but I like you. VALENTINE (dropping into the iron chair as if crushed). Then it's all over. (He becomes the picture of despair.) GLORIA (puzzled, approaching him). But why? VALENTINE. Because liking is not enough. Now that I think down into it seriously, I don't know whether I like you or not. GLORIA (looking down at him with wondering concern). I'm sorry. VALENTINE (in an agony of restrained passion). Oh, don't pity me. Your voice is tearing my heart to pieces. Let me alone, Gloria. You go down into the very depths of me, troubling and stirring me--I can't struggle with it--I can't tell you-- GLORIA (breaking down suddenly). Oh, stop telling me what you feel: I can't bear it. VALENTINE (springing up triumphantly, the agonized voice now solid, ringing, and jubilant). Ah, it's come at last--my moment of courage. (He seizes her hands: she looks at him in terror.) Our moment of courage! (He draws her to him; kisses her with impetuous strength; and laughs boyishly.) Now you've done it, Gloria. It's all over: we're in love with one another. (She can only gasp at him.) But what a dragon you were! And how hideously afraid I was!