I don't understand why you suggested
it. [MRS. GWYN is silent.] It's been a mistake.
MRS. GWYN. [Her eyes fixed on the ground.] Joy comes home
to-morrow. I thought if I brought you here--I should know----
LEVER. [Vexedly.] Um!
MRS. GWYN. [Losing her control.] Can't you SEE? It haunts me? How
are we to go on? I must know--I must know!
LEVER. I don't see that my coming----
MRS. GWYN. I thought I should have more confidence; I thought I
should be able to face it better in London, if you came down here
openly--and now--I feel I must n't speak or look at you.
LEVER. You don't think your Aunt----
MRS. GWYN. [Scornfully.] She! It's only Joy I care about.
LEVER. [Frowning.] We must be more careful, that's all. We mustn't
give ourselves away again, as we were doing just now.
MRS. GWYN. When any one says anything horrid to you, I can't help
it.
[She puts her hand on the label of his coat.]
LEVER. My dear child, take care!
[MRS. GWYN drops her hand. She throws her head back, and her
throat is seen to work as though she were gulping down a bitter
draught. She moves away.]
[Following hastily.] Don't dear, don't! I only meant--Come, Molly,
let's be sensible.
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