George (absently). Lady Fanny.
Lady Marden (recollecting). Yes, of course; but that was two hundred years ago. The standards were different then. (Rising and going up C. to R.) Besides, it wasn't quite the same, anyhow.
George (absently). No, it wasn't quite the same.
Lady Marden (R. of writing-table). No. We shall all feel it. Terribly.
George (his apology). If there were any other way! Olivia, what can I do? It is the only way, isn't it? All that that fellow said–of course, it sounds very well–but as things are.... (Crossing towards Olivia.) Is there anything in marriage, or isn't there? You believe that there is, don't you? You aren't one of these Socialists. Well, then, can we go on living together when you're another man's wife? It isn't only what people will say, but it is wrong, isn't it?.... And supposing he doesn't divorce you, are we to go on living together, unmarried, for ever? (Lady Marden turns and listens.) Olivia, you seem to think that I'm just thinking of the publicity–what people will say. I'm not. I'm not. That comes in any way. But I want to do what's right, what's best. I don't mean what's best for us, what makes us happiest, I mean what's really best, what's rightest. What anybody else would do in my place. (Olivia holds out her hands lovingly towards him.) I don't know. It's so unfair. You're not my wife at all, but I want to do what's right.... (Sits foot of table L.C.) Oh, Olivia, Olivia, you do understand, don't you?
(They have both forgotten Lady Marden. Olivia has never taken her eyes off him as he makes his last attempt to convince himself.)
Olivia (almost tenderly). So very, very well, George. Oh, I understand just what you are feeling. And oh, I do so wish that you could–(with a little sigh)–but then it wouldn't be George, not the George I married–(with a rueful little laugh)–or didn't quite marry.
Lady Marden. I must say, I think you are both talking a little wildly.
Olivia (repeating it, oh, so tenderly). Or didn't–quite–marry.
(She looks at him with all her heart in her eyes. She is giving him his last chance to say "Damn Telworthy; you're mine!" He rises and crosses to R. He struggles desperately with himself, turns to Olivia.)