ANDERSON.
Just wait outside a moment, like a good girl: Mrs. Anderson is not well. (Essie looks doubtful.) Never fear: I’ll come to you presently; and I’ll go to Dick.
ESSIE.
You are sure you will go to him? (Whispering.) You won’t let her prevent you?
ANDERSON.
(smiling). No, no: it’s all right. All right. (She goes.) That’s a good girl. (He closes the door, and returns to Judith.)
JUDITH.
(seated—rigid). You are going to your death.
ANDERSON.
(quaintly). Then I shall go in my best coat, dear. (He turns to the press, beginning to take off his coat.) Where—? (He stares at the empty nail for a moment; then looks quickly round to the fire; strides across to it; and lifts Richard’s coat.) Why, my dear, it seems that he has gone in my best coat.
JUDITH.
(still motionless). Yes.
ANDERSON.
Did the soldiers make a mistake?
JUDITH.
Yes: they made a mistake.
ANDERSON.
He might have told them. Poor fellow, he was too upset, I suppose.
JUDITH.
Yes: he might have told them. So might I.