[As he says these last words he drops into a chair, facing her, and looks fiercely and doggedly at her.
MRS. WESTERN. [Calmly.] Stop now, and listen to me. I've let you rattle on. Will you hear me for one moment?
HARVEY. Go on.
MRS. WESTERN. All those things you've said about me—[With a shrug.] Well, what's the use? I suppose we're like most married people when they come to our age. I've interests of my own, that don't appeal to you—
HARVEY. Blue-books and Committees!
MRS. WESTERN. I do useful work—oh yes, you may sneer—you always have sneered! If a woman tries to do something sensible with her life, instead of cuddling and kissing you all day, she's cold and cruel. We've drifted apart—well, your fault as much as mine. More, perhaps—but it's no good going into that—no good making reproaches. That's how things are—we must make the best of them. Wait, let me finish. About this girl. Granted that what you say is true—and I'm inclined to believe it—
HARVEY. [Genuinely grateful.] At least thank you for that!
MRS. WESTERN. Or at any rate it's better policy to believe it, for every one's sake—
HARVEY. [Bitterly.] That's right—that's more like you!
MRS. WESTERN. We gain nothing by abusing each other. And I didn't interrupt you. Let's look facts in the face. Here we are, we two—tied.