Cokeson. [In a low fluster to James and Walter] No, Mr. James.  She’s not been quite what she ought to ha’ been, while this young man’s been away.  She’s lost her chance.  We can’t consult how to swindle the Law.

     Falder has come from the window.  The three men look at him in a
     sort of awed silence.

Falder. [With instinctive apprehension of some change—­looking from one to the other] There’s been nothing between us, sir, to prevent it . . . .  What I said at the trial was true.  And last night we only just sat in the Park.

Sweedle comes in from the outer office.

Cokeson.  What is it?

Sweedle.  Mrs. Honeywill. [There is silence]

James.  Show her in.

Ruth comes slowly in, and stands stoically with Falder on one side and the three men on the other.  No one speaks.  Cokeson turns to his table, bending over his papers as though the burden of the situation were forcing him back into his accustomed groove.

James. [Sharply] Shut the door there. [Sweedle shuts the door] We’ve asked you to come up because there are certain facts to be faced in this matter.  I understand you have only just met Falder again.

Ruth.  Yes—­only yesterday.

James.  He’s told us about himself, and we’re very sorry for him.  I’ve promised to take him back here if he’ll make a fresh start. [Looking steadily at Ruth] This is a matter that requires courage, ma’am.

Ruth, who is looking at Falder, begins to twist her hands in front of her as though prescient of disaster.

Falder.  Mr. Walter How is good enough to say that he’ll help us to get you a divorce.

     Ruth flashes a startled glance at James and Walter.

James.  I don’t think that’s practicable, Falder.

Falder.  But, Sir——!

James. [Steadily] Now, Mrs. Honeywill.  You’re fond of him.

Ruth.  Yes, Sir; I love him.

     She looks miserably at Falder.

James.  Then you don’t want to stand in his way, do you?

Ruth. [In a faint voice] I could take care of him.

James.  The best way you can take care of him will be to give him up.

Falder.  Nothing shall make me give you up.  You can get a divorce. 
There’s been nothing between us, has there?

Ruth. [Mournfully shaking her head-without looking at him] No.

Falder.  We’ll keep apart till it’s over, sir; if you’ll only help us—­we promise.

James. [To Ruth] You see the thing plainly, don’t you?  You see what I mean?

Ruth. [Just above a whisper] Yes.