(Exit into house.)
(Vague noise of Cedric privately cursing behind, out of sight.)
Flora. (Going up a little.) Cedric, when you've done swearing up there, I want to apologise to you.
(Re-enter Cedric. They look at each other.)
Cedric. Apologise?
Flora. My human nature ran away with me. My human nature couldn't resist the temptation to fulfil your prayer. You demanded that your mother should be blowed—and she has been. Unfortunately it meant you being blowed, too. Now let's go.
Cedric. Go where?
Flora. (Innocently.) To Chelmsford, of course. Isn't there a newspaper train about a quarter past five?
Cedric. (Shaking his head in a maze.) I'm dashed if I know where I am——
Flora. I'm dashed if you are quite wide awake, my poor boy. Can't you see how amply you've proved that you look on marriage as seriously as any woman could desire—more seriously than any woman ought to desire. Last night you hesitated to sacrifice your aeroplane to me. But this morning you tell the most frightful lies on the chance of getting hold of me—although I gave you every encouragement to be truthful. You take the most frightful risks of being found out. You'll run any danger of trouble and unhappiness in the future if only you can capture me now. You smash crockery. You behave meanly, miserably. You forfeit even your own self-respect. Cedric, that is what I like. It's just that that shows how much in earnest you are. Your deeds are far superior to your arguments.... Cedric——