MRS DUBEDAT [heartbroken] Stay with me, Louis. Oh, dont leave me, dearest.
LOUIS. Not that I’m selfish. With all my faults I dont think Ive ever been really selfish. No artist can: Art is too large for that. You will marry again, Jennifer.
MRS DUBEDAT. Oh, how can you, Louis?
LOUIS [insisting childishly] Yes, because people who have found marriage happy always marry again. Ah, I shant be jealous. [Slyly.] But dont talk to the other fellow too much about me: he wont like it. [Almost chuckling] I shall be your lover all the time; but it will be a secret from him, poor devil!
SIR PATRICK. Come! youve talked enough. Try to rest awhile.
LOUIS [wearily] Yes: I’m fearfully tired; but I shall have a long rest presently. I have something to say to you fellows. Youre all there, arnt you? I’m too weak to see anything but Jennifer’s bosom. That promises rest.
RIDGEON. We are all here.
LOUIS [startled] That voice sounded devilish. Take care, Ridgeon: my ears hear things that other people’s cant. Ive been thinking—thinking. I’m cleverer than you imagine.
SIR PATRICK [whispering to Ridgeon] Youve got on his nerves, Colly. Slip out quietly.
RIDGEON [apart to Sir Patrick] Would you deprive the dying actor of his audience?