LADY (fetching the paper herself and also a large parcel that is in the pocket of the dress). See for yourself.
STRANGER (tearing up the paper). No need for me to look!
LADY. He won't believe it. He won't. Yet the chemists want to give a banquet in your honour next Saturday.
STRANGER. Is that in the paper too? About the banquet?
LADY (handing him the packet). And here's the diploma of honour. Read it!
STRANGER (tearing up the packet). Perhaps there's a Government Order too!
LADY. Those whom the gods would destroy they first make blind! You made your discovery with no good intentions, and therefore you weren't permitted to be the only one to succeed.
STRANGER. Now I shall go. For I won't stay here and lay bare my shame! I've become a laughing-stock, so I'll go and hide myself—bury myself alive, because I don't dare to die.
LADY. Then go! We start for the colonies in a few days.
STRANGER. That's frank at least! Perhaps we're nearing a solution.