Clare.  It’s inhuman!

Mrs. Miler.  That’s what I thinks; but it don’t ’elp, do it?  “’Tain’t the circulation,” ’e says, “it’s the principle,” ’e says; and then ‘e starts in swearin’ horrible.  ’E’s a very nice man.  And Mr. Malise, ’e says:  “Well, that about does for me!” ’e says.

Clare.  Thank you, Mrs. Miler—­I’m glad to know.

Mrs. Miler.  Yes; I don’t know as I ought to ’ave told you. [Desperately uncomfortable] You see, I don’t take notice of Mr. Malise, but I know ’im very well.  ’E’s a good ’arted gentleman, very funny, that’ll do things to help others, and what’s more, keep on doin’ ’em, when they hurt ’im; very obstinate ’e is.  Now, when you first come ’ere, three months ago, I says to meself:  “He’ll enjoy this ’ere for a bit, but she’s too much of a lady for ’im.”  What ’e wants about ‘im permanent is a woman that thinks an’ talks about all them things he talks about.  And sometimes I fancy ’e don’t want nothin’ permanent about ’im at all.

Clare.  Don’t!

Mrs. Miler. [With another sudden sniff] Gawd knows I don’t want to upset ye.  You’re situated very hard; an’ women’s got no business to ’urt one another—­that’s what I thinks.

Clare.  Will you go out and do something for me? [Mrs. Miler nods]

     [Clare takes up the sheaf of papers and from the leather box a
     note and an emerald pendant]

Take this with the note to that address—­it’s quite close.  He’ll give you thirty pounds for it.  Please pay these bills and bring me back the receipts, and what’s over.

Mrs. Miler. [Taking the pendant and note] It’s a pretty thing.

Clare.  Yes.  It was my mother’s.

Mrs. Miler.  It’s a pity to part with it; ain’t you got another?

Clare.  Nothing more, Mrs. Miler, not even a wedding ring.

Mrs. Miler. [Without expression] You make my ’eart ache sometimes.

     [She wraps pendant and note into her handkerchief and goes out to
     the door.]

Mrs. Miler. [From the door] There’s a lady and gentleman out here. 
Mrs. Fuller—­wants you, not Mr. Malise.

Clare.  Mrs. Fullarton? [Mrs. Miler nods] Ask them to come in.

     Mrs. Miler opens the door wide, says “Come in,” and goes.  Mrs.
     Fullarton is accompanied not by Fullarton, but by the lawyer,
     TWISDON.  They come in.

Mrs. Fullarton.  Clare!  My dear!  How are you after all this time?

Clare. [Her eyes fixed on Twisden] Yes?

Mrs. Fullarton. [Disconcerted by the strange greeting] I brought
Mr. Twisden to tell you something.  May I stay?