LEONARD (doubtfully). Well——

LATIMER. Or that it will be all Anne’s fault next year.

LEONARD. What do you mean, next year?

LATIMER. I beg your pardon. I should have said the year after next. (There is a little silence.)

ANNE (getting up). I think I will go to bed. How long do you want us to wait?

LATIMER. Can you spare a week? You with so many years in front of you.

ANNE (deciding that the moment has come to put MR. LATIMER in his place). I have a father. I left him a note to say what I was doing. We don’t see much of each other, but I thought it polite. (Triumphantly) Does that interfere with your plans at all?

LATIMER (smiling). Not at all. There was a little mistake about the delivery of that note. Your father is under the impression that you are staying with friends—in Kent.... A great power, money.

ANNE (deciding, with dignity, that the moment has not come). I congratulate you on the perfection of your methods. Good night.

(DOMINIC is in the room.)