(Re-enter Mrs. Denham.)

Mrs. Denham.

She’s asleep, Arthur.

Denham.

Poor little ugly duck!

Mrs. Denham.

I suppose you think I have acted very injudiciously?

Denham.

(sighing) Oh, what does it matter what I think?  You always act on principle.  I must try to get this drawing done.

Mrs. Denham.

Don’t send me away, Arthur.  You will soon be rid of me altogether.

Denham.

Don’t say that, dear.  I know you are very miserable about Undine—­and other things.  So am I. I wonder whether we are all going mad.

Mrs. Denham.

I think I have gone mad.

Denham.

Do you say that in earnest?

Mrs. Denham.

You know there was—­something in our family.

Denham.

Oh, nonsense, Constance!  For Heaven’s sake don’t brood over that.  There is something in every family, if one only inquires.  Your nerves are over-strained.  I wish you’d go to bed, and let me have some one to see you.  You are looking like a ghost.

Mrs. Denham.

I feel like one.  But I am not going to haunt the scene of my crimes any longer.  I am going away—­going away!

Denham.

Well, I’m going with you, then, to take care of you.  We’ll send
Undine somewhere, and go abroad for a while.

Mrs. Denham.

Oh yes.  You can be kind enough, if that were all.

Denham.

Will you never make peace?

Mrs. Denham.

The only peace I can make.

Denham.

What do you mean?

Mrs. Denham.

I shall trouble you no longer.

Denham.

My dear girl, don’t talk like that.  It is ghastly.  Constance, I must go to Fitzgerald with this wretched drawing.  I have to give some directions about the reproduction.  I sha’n’t be long.  Promise me that you won’t do anything foolish—­that I shall find you here when I come back.

Mrs. Denham.

Yes—­you shall find me here.

Denham.

That’s right. (Goes to settee, and takes up shawl.) And now lie down here, and let me cover you with this shawl.

Mrs. Denham.

Very well. (She lies down.) Arthur!

Denham.

Yes, dear.

Mrs. Denham.

Kiss me once before you go.

Denham.

Oh, if I may! (Kisses her.) My poor Constance!  I would give my heart’s blood to comfort you.  And meanwhile I’ll send you a better thing—­tea.

Mrs. Denham.

Thank you, dear.  You have always tried to be good to me.  You could not help being cruel, I suppose.

Denham.

I want to be good to you always.  Well, good-bye, and God bless you! (Kisses her.)

Mrs. Denham.

God bless you! (Exit Denham.)