AMY.  If it is, I’d better jump into the Thames.  I’ve thought of it.

      He considers how best to make a last effort to bring her to her
      senses.  He sits by her.

TREBELL.  Amy ... if you were my wife—­

AMY. [Unresponsive to him now.] I was Justin’s wife, and I went away from him sooner than bear him children.  Had I the right to choose or had I not?

TREBELL. [Taking another path.] Shall I tell you something I believe?  If we were left to choose, we should stand for ever deciding whether to start with the right foot or the left.  We blunder into the best things in life.  Then comes the test ... have we faith enough to go on ... to go through with the unknown thing?

AMY. [So bored by these metaphysics.] Faith in what?

TREBELL.  Our vitality.  I don’t give a fig for beauty, happiness, or brains. 
All I ask of myself is ... can I pay Fate on demand?

AMY.  Yes ... in imagination.  But I’ve got physical facts to face.

      But he has her attention now and pursues the advantage.

TREBELL.  Very well then ... let the meaning of them go.  Look forward simply to a troublesome illness.  In a little while you can go abroad quietly and wait patiently.  We’re not fools and we needn’t find fools to trust in.  Then come back to England....

AMY.  And forget.  That seems simple enough, doesn’t it?

TREBELL.  If you don’t want the child let it be mine ... not yours.

AMY. [Wondering suddenly at this bond between them.] Yours!  What would you do with it?

TREBELL. [Matter-of-fact.] Provide for it, of course.

AMY.  Never see it, perhaps.

TREBELL.  Perhaps not.  If there were anything to be gained ... for the child. 
I’ll see that he has his chance as a human being.

AMY.  How hopeful! [Now her voice drops.  She is looking back, perhaps at a past self.] If you loved me ... perhaps I might learn to love the thought of your child.

TREBELL. [As if half his life depended on her answer.] Is that true?

AMY. [Irritably.] Why are you picking me to pieces?  I think that is true.  If you had been loving me for a long, long time—­[The agony rushes back on her.] But now I’m only afraid.  You might have some pity for me ...  I’m so afraid.

TREBELL. [Touched.] Indeed ... indeed, I’ll take what share of this I can.

      She shrinks from him unforgivingly.

AMY.  No, let me alone.  I’m nothing to you.  I’m a sick beast in danger of my life, that’s all ... cancerous!

      He is roused for the first time, roused to horror and protest.

TREBELL.  Oh, you unhappy woman! ... if life is like death to you....

AMY. [Turning on him.] Don’t lecture me!  If you’re so clever put a stop to this horror.  Or you might at least say you’re sorry.