Denham.

They would certainly say there was “no situation,” though perhaps—­

Mrs. Tremaine.

What is a situation?

Denham.

Oh, you know—­something threadbare, the outraged husband driving his erring wife about the stage—­all that sort of thing.

Mrs. Tremaine.

I love an outraged husband; they are so magnificently moral!

Denham.

Unfortunately I am on no such pinnacle. (Rises.) I can only humbly ask you, when will you sit again?

Mrs. Tremaine.

Oh, now that you have painted that masterpiece, I must resign the privilege of being your model.

Denham.

That is unkind of you, Blanche.  But why? (Puts his pipe down.)

Mrs. Tremaine.

You can’t go on painting me for ever.

Denham.

I shall go on painting you for ever.  But you will surely give me an occasional sitting?

Mrs. Tremaine.

No; I must be stern. (Rises and crosses C.) I must work seriously now.

Denham.

At least you’ll come and see us?  You’ll come and sing the savageness out of this bear?

Mrs. Tremaine.

No; I must go back into the desert.

Denham.

Seriously?

Mrs. Tremaine.  Yes.

Denham.

I knew it must come to an end, Blanche. (Crosses C.)
Well, we have had a good time.

Mrs. Tremaine.

Yes.  It has been pleasant here.

Denham.

You have been my good genius.  Do you know, I was getting sick of it all before you came?

Mrs. Tremaine.

Sick of what?

Denham.

Of myself, of art, of life.

Mrs. Tremaine.

That was foolish.  I am glad if I have reconciled you to existence.

Denham.

You have made me alive again, opened a door to new possibilities, let me out into the sunshine.

Mrs. Tremaine.

Well, don’t go back into the shadow. (Taking her hat, she goes towards mirror.)

Denham.

No.  I will go forward.

Mrs. Tremaine.

That is right; and now I must go. (About to take cloak.)

Denham.

No, you must not go yet.  Come and sit upon your throne once more. (Mrs. Tremaine stops.)

Mrs. Tremaine.

But you are not going to paint again?

Denham.

No.  I only want to look at you.  Do grant me this last grace! (He replaces chair on “throne.")

Mrs. Tremaine.

(puts down hat, and crosses L) Really you are too absurd! (She sits on the “throne.")

Denham.

(crosses C) Thanks.  And now I want you to read something. (Goes to table and takes paper from drawer.)

Mrs. Tremaine.