Chloe.  Is there anything you’ll take, not to spoil my life? [Clasping her hands on her breast; under her breath] Me?

Dawker. [Wiping his brow] By God!  That’s an offer. [He recoils towards the window] You—­you touched me there.  Look here!  I’ve got to use you and I’m going to use you, but I’ll do my best to let you down as easy as I can.  No, I don’t want anything you can give me—­that is—­[He wipes his brow again] I’d like it—­but I won’t take it.

     [Chloe buries her face in her hands.]

There!  Keep your pecker up; don’t cry.  Good-night! [He goes through the window.]

Chloe. [Springing up] Ugh!  Rat in a trap!  Rat——!

[She stands listening; flies to the door, unlocks it, and, going back to the sofa, lies down and doses her eyes.  Charles comes in very quietly and stands over her, looking to see if she is asleep.  She opens her eyes.]

Charles.  Well, Clo!  Had a sleep, old girl?

Chloe.  Ye-es.

Charles. [Sitting on the arm of the sofa and caressing her] Feel better, dear?

Chloe.  Yes, better, Charlie.

Charles.  That’s right.  Would you like some soup?

Chloe. [With a shudder] No.

Charles.  I say-what gives you these heads?  You’ve been very on and off all this last month.

Chloe.  I don’t know.  Except that—­except that I am going to have a child, Charlie.

Charles.  After all!  By Jove!  Sure?

Chloe. [Nodding] Are you glad?

Charles.  Well—­I suppose I am.  The guv’nor will be mighty pleased, anyway.

Chloe.  Don’t tell him—­yet.

Charles.  All right! [Bending over and drawing her to him] My poor girl, I’m so sorry you’re seedy.  Give us a kiss.

     [Chloe puts up her face and kisses him passionately.]

I say, you’re like fire.  You’re not feverish?

Chloe. [With a laugh] It’s a wonder if I’m not.  Charlie, are you happy with me?

Charles.  What do you think?

Chloe. [Leaning against him] You wouldn’t easily believe things against me, would you?

Charles.  What!  Thinking of those Hillcrists?  What the hell that woman means by her attitude towards you—­When I saw her there to-day, I had all my work cut out not to go up and give her a bit of my mind.

Chloe. [Watching him stealthily] It’s not good for me, now I’m like this.  It’s upsetting me, Charlie.

Charles.  Yes; and we won’t forget.  We’ll make ’em pay for it.

Chloe.  It’s wretched in a little place like this.  I say, must you go on spoiling their home?

Charles.  The woman cuts you and insults you.  That’s enough for me.