MARION. Isobel! I had to come and tell you how hurt William is. Dear, don’t you think you could believe—just for William’s sake——
ISOBEL (gently). It’s all right, dear. I am not going to say anything.
MARION (eagerly). You mean you believe? (WILLIAM comes in, and she rushes to him) She believes! She believes!
(ISOBEL and ROYCE exchange a smile.)
WILLIAM (with satisfaction). Ah! I am very glad to hear this. As regards the biography. In the circumstances, since we are all agreed as to the facts, I almost think we might record the story of Oliver Blayds’ chivalrous attempt to assist his friend, definitely assigning to Willoughby Jenkins the 1863 volume. (He looks at them for approval. MARION nods.)
ISOBEL (looking demurely at ROYCE and then back again). Yes, William.
WILLIAM. I feel strongly, and I am sure you will agree with me, that it is our duty to tell the whole truth about that great man. (Again he looks to MARION for approval. She assents.)
ISOBEL (aside to ROYCE—enjoying it with him). Do I still say, “Yes, William”? (He smiles and nods.) Yes, William.
(And so that is how the story will be handed down. But, as SEPTIMA says, the poetry will still be there.)
Printed in Great Britain by R. & R. Clark, Limited, Edinburgh.