ETHEL
And since it has to be done, it must be done at once. I haven't seen Almeric since last night; I must see him now.
PIKE
[grimly]
He's not here just now.
[HORACE enters; stands in the doorway unobserved, listening.][pg 166]
ETHEL
I've shirked facing him to-day. He has always been so light and gay, I have dreaded to see him bending under this blow, shamed and overcome. Now it is my duty to see him, to show him how he can hold up his head in spite of it!
PIKE
I agree, it's your duty—