MRS. WESTERN.  You had your children.

HARVEY.  A boy of seven and a girl of five—­in bed when I came home—­and your children much more than mine—­I’m a stranger to them!  And anyhow, I wanted something more—­something human, alive—­that only a woman can give.  And she gave it.  Nothing between us, I swear—­but just that.  As Tom says, I’ve not been such a cur—­and you ought to know me well enough, after all these years!...  But there is the truth—­she’s fond of me:  she is, it’s a fact.  And I needed that fondness—­it has kept me going.  And now—­do you think I’ll let her be thrust out into the street?

     [As he says these last words he drops into a chair, facing her,
     and looks fiercely and doggedly at her.

MRS. WESTERN. [Calmly.] Stop now, and listen to me.  I’ve let you rattle on.  Will you hear me for one moment?

HARVEY.  Go on.

MRS. WESTERN.  All those things you’ve said about me—­[With a shrug.] Well, what’s the use?  I suppose we’re like most married people when they come to our age.  I’ve interests of my own, that don’t appeal to you—­

HARVEY.  Blue-books and Committees!

MRS. WESTERN.  I do useful work—­oh yes, you may sneer—­you always have sneered!  If a woman tries to do something sensible with her life, instead of cuddling and kissing you all day, she’s cold and cruel.  We’ve drifted apart—­well, your fault as much as mine.  More, perhaps—­but it’s no good going into that—­no good making reproaches.  That’s how things are—­we must make the best of them.  Wait, let me finish.  About this girl.  Granted that what you say is true—­and I’m inclined to believe it—­

HARVEY. [Genuinely grateful.] At least thank you for that!

MRS. WESTERN.  Or at any rate it’s better policy to believe it, for every one’s sake—­

HARVEY. [Bitterly.] That’s right—­that’s more like you!

MRS. WESTERN.  We gain nothing by abusing each other.  And I didn’t interrupt you. Let’s look facts in the face.  Here we are, we two—­tied.

HARVEY. [With a groan.] Yes.

MRS. WESTERN.  With our two children.  If it weren’t for them....  Well, we’ve got to remain together.  Now there’s this girl.  It’s quite evident, after what you’ve said, that she can’t stop here—­

HARVEY. [Jumping to his feet.] She shall!

MRS. WESTERN. [Fretfully.] Oh, do be a man, and drop this mawkish sentiment!  You say she’s fond of you—­you’ve made her fond of you.  Was this a very pretty thing—­for a man of your age to do?

HARVEY. [Sullenly, as he drops back into his chair.] Never mind my age.

MRS. WESTERN.  Very well then—­for a married man?

HARVEY.  An unhappy man.

MRS. WESTERN.  Even granting that—­though if you’re unhappy it’s your own fault—­I’ve always been urging you to go on the County Council—­What’s to become of the girl, if she stops here?