ISOBEL. Then I shall publish the explanation which he gave me.
WILLIAM. Isobel, I should have thought that you, of all people, would have wanted to believe in Oliver Blayds.
[256]ISOBEL. Wanted to! If only “wanting to” were the same as believing, how easy life would be!
MARION. It is very nearly the same, dear. If you try very hard. I have found it a great comfort.
WILLIAM. I must beg you to reconsider your decision. I had the honour of the friendship of Oliver Blayds for many years, and I tell you frankly that I will not allow this slander of a dead man to pass unchallenged.
ISOBEL. Which dead man?
WILLIAM (a little upset). This slander on Oliver Blayds.
ISOBEL. It is not slander. I shall tell the truth about him.
WILLIAM. Then I shall tell the truth about him too.
(ISOBEL turns away with a shrug, and sees SEPTIMA, ROYCE, and OLIVER coming in.)