GERVASE.  It is no dream, Melisande.  Or if it is a dream, then in my dream I love you, and if we are awake, then awake I love you.  I love you if this is Fairyland, and if there is no Fairyland, then my love will make a faery land of the world for you.  For I love you, Melisande.

MELISANDE (timidly).  Are we pretending still?

GERVASE.  No, no, no!

(She looks at him gravely for a moment and then nods her head.)

MELISANDE (pointing).  I live down there.  You will come for me?

GERVASE.  I will come.

MELISANDE.  I am my lord’s servant.  I will wait for him. (She moves away from him.  Then she curtsies and says) This afternoon, my lord.

(She goes down the hill.)

(He stands looking after her.  While he is standing there, ERN comes through the trees with breakfast.)

ACT III

(It is about four o’clock in the afternoon of the same day.  JANE is sitting on the sofa in the hall, glancing at a paper, but evidently rather bored with it, and hoping that somebody—­BOBBY, did you say?—­will appear presently.  However, it is MR. KNOWLE who comes in.)

MR. KNOWLE.  Ah, Jane!

JANE (looking up).  Hallo, Uncle Henry.  Did you have a good day?

MR. KNOWLE.  Well, Peters and I had a very enjoyable drive.

JANE.  But you found nothing at the sale?  What a pity!

MR. KNOWLE (taking a catalogue from his pocket).  Nothing which I wanted myself, but there were several very interesting lots.  Peters was strongly tempted by Lot 29—­“Two hip-baths and a stuffed crocodile.”  Very useful things to have by you if you think of getting married, Jane, and setting up house for yourself.  I don’t know if you have any thoughts in that direction?

JANE (a little embarrassed).  Well, I suppose I shall some day.

MR. KNOWLE.  Ah! . . .  Where’s Bobby?

JANE (carelessly).  Bobby?  Oh, he’s about somewhere.

MR. KNOWLE.  I think Bobby would like to hear about Lot 29. (Returning to his catalogue) Or perhaps Lot 42.  “Lot 42—­Twelve aspidistras, towel-horse, and ‘The Maiden’s Prayer.’” All for seven and sixpence.  I ought to have had Bobby with me.  He could have made a firm offer of eight shillings. . . .  By the way, I have a daughter, haven’t I?  How was Sandy this morning?

JANE.  I didn’t see her.  Aunt Mary is rather anxious about her.

MR. KNOWLE.  Has she left us for ever?

JANE.  There’s nothing to be frightened about really.

MR. KNOWLE.  I’m not frightened.

JANE.  She had breakfast before any of us were up, and went out with some sandwiches afterwards, and she hasn’t come back yet.

MR. KNOWLE.  A very healthy way of spending the day. (MRS. KNOWLE comes in) Well, Mary, I hear that we have no daughter now.

MRS. KNOWLE.  Ah, there you are, Henry.  Thank Heaven that you are back safely.