ISOBEL. Tell me to-morrow, dear.
BLAYDS (in weak anger, because he is frightened). There are no to-morrows when you are ninety ... when you are ninety ... and they have all left you ... alone.
[217]ISOBEL. Very well, dear. Tell me now.
BLAYDS (eagerly). Yes, yes, come closer.... Listen, Isobel. (He draws her still closer and begins.) Isobel....
(But we do not hear it until afterwards.)
ACT II[218]
Scene: The same room a few days later.
OLIVER comes in dressed in the deepest black, having just returned from the funeral of OLIVER BLAYDS. He looks round the room, and then up at the old gentleman who has now left it for ever, and draws his first deep breath of freedom. Then, sitting at his ease on the sofa, he takes out a cigarette and lights it.
OLIVER (blowing out smoke). Ah!
SEPTIMA comes in.