Wanda. [Clasping her hands on her breast] I will try, sir.

Keith.  Listen!

     [A key is heard in the lock.]

It’s he!

     Larry enters.  He is holding a great bunch of pink lilies and
     white narcissus.  His face tells nothing.  Keith looks from him
     to the girl, who stands motionless.

Larry.  Keith!  So you’ve seen?

Keith.  The thing can’t stand.  I’ll stop it somehow.  But you must give me time, Larry.

Larry. [Calmly] Still looking after your honour, Keith!

Keith. [Grimly] Think my reasons what you like.

Wanda. [Softly] Larry!

     [Larry puts his arm round her.]

Larry.  Sorry, old man.

Keith.  This man can and shall get off.  I want your solemn promise that you won’t give yourself up, nor even go out till I’ve seen you again.

Larry.  I give it.

Keith. [Looking from one to the other] By the memory of our mother, swear that.

Larry. [With a smile] I swear.

Keith.  I have your oath—­both of you—­both of you.  I’m going at once to see what can be done.

Larry. [Softly] Good luck, brother.

     Keith goes out.

Wanda. [Putting her hands on LARRY’s breast] What does it mean?

Larry.  Supper, child—­I’ve had nothing all day.  Put these lilies in water.

     [She takes the lilies and obediently puts them into a vase. 
     Larry pours wine into a deep-coloured glass and drinks it off.]

We’ve had a good time, Wanda.  Best time I ever had, these last two months; and nothing but the bill to pay.

Wanda. [Clasping him desperately] Oh, Larry!  Larry!

Larry. [Holding her away to look at her.] Take off those things and put on a bridal garment.

Wanda.  Promise me—­wherever you go, I go too.  Promise!  Larry, you think I haven’t seen, all these weeks.  But I have seen everything; all in your heart, always.  You cannot hide from me.  I knew—­I knew!  Oh, if we might go away into the sun!  Oh!  Larry—­couldn’t we? [She searches his eyes with hers—­then shuddering] Well!  If it must be dark—­I don’t care, if I may go in your arms.  In prison we could not be together.  I am ready.  Only love me first.  Don’t let me cry before I go.  Oh!  Larry, will there be much pain?

Larry. [In a choked voice] No pain, my pretty.

Wanda. [With a little sigh] It is a pity.

Larry.  If you had seen him, as I have, all day, being tortured.  Wanda,—­we shall be out of it. [The wine mounting to his head] We shall be free in the dark; free of their cursed inhumanities.  I hate this world—­I loathe it!  I hate its God-forsaken savagery; its pride and smugness!  Keith’s world—­all righteous will-power and success.  We’re no good here, you and I—­we were cast out at birth—­soft, will-less—­better dead.  No fear, Keith!  I’m staying indoors. [He pours wine into two glasses] Drink it up!