Flora. Do you think so? Cedric and I were supposed to be talking like honest Injuns——
Mrs. R. Haslam. Honest Injuns?
Flora. Well, as man to man, then. Anyway, straight! And yet he positively assured me that nothing had happened, to influence him except my arguments. Whereas the fact was he knew that owing to this broken leg he could go away with a perfectly easy conscience. My arguments hadn't influenced him at all. His principles haven't really changed at all! But now he's safe as regards Klopstock he doesn't care a fig for his principles. His mind is free for pleasure, now—it wasn't before—and so in order to enjoy himself for a month he'd sacrifice any principles. Just like a man, that is! And there's something else. He was so desperately and madly anxious to have me that he told another simply appalling cold-blooded fib. He said he had sat up all through the night thinking over my arguments, without a wink of sleep. I suppose he thought that would touch me. Now the truth is that he slept very well, and woke up with such an appetite that he ate the whole of Charlie's supper except two bananas. I won't mention his references to his mother. But I think I've said enough to show that I didn't come down at four o'clock in the morning precisely in order to throw myself into your son's arms. Can you imagine a woman silly enough to marry a man who on the very day of the wedding would try to deceive her as Cedric has tried to deceive me?
Mrs. R. Haslam. (Majestic.) Father! We had better go. (She moves towards house. After reflection, savagely to Flora, over her shoulder.) I rejoice that the breach is now definite.
(Exit into house.)
(Cedric moodily goes up garden out of sight.)
Mr. R. Haslam. (Protesting.) Hannah! (Half to himself, looking at his watch.) An inflammable hour—four o'clock!
Flora. We seem to be left alone together.
Mr. R. Haslam. (Cheerfully.) Yes, but I must go.
Flora. However do you manage to be always so calm and cheerful? I've noticed you in the most difficult situations——