GERTRUDE. Supposing he does succeed in taking Mr. Cleeve away from you?
AGNES. [Staring at GERTRUDE.] What, now, do you mean?
GERTRUDE. Yes.
[There is a brief pause; then AGNES walks across the room, wiping her brow with her handkerchief.]
AGNES. I tell you, that idea's—preposterous.
GERTRUDE. Oh, I can't understand you.
AGNES. You'll respect my confidence?
GERTRUDE. Agnes!
AGNES. [Sitting.] Well, I fancy this man's presence here has simply started me thinking of a time—oh, it may never come!—a time when I may cease to be—necessary to Mr. Cleeve. Do you understand?
GERTRUDE. I remember what you told me of your being prepared to grant each other freedom if—