[There is a brief pause. The she rises and walks across the room, outwardly calm but twisting her hands.]

AGNES. Well, you've had Mr. Cleeve's answer to that.

ST. OLPHERTS. Yes.

AGNES. Which finally disposes of the whole matter—disposes of it—

ST. OLPHERTS. Completely. [Struck by an idea.] Unless you—

AGNES. [Turning to him.] Unless I—

ST. OLPHERTS. Unless you—

AGNES. [After a moment's pause.] What did Lucas say to you when you—?

ST. OLPHERTS. He said he knew you'd never make that sacrifice for him. [She pulls herself up rigidly.] So he declined to pain you by asking you to do it.

AGNES. [Crossing swiftly to the settee, and speaking straight into his face.] That's a lie!