Parbury.
Perhaps you feel that that time has come now. If so, go home for a little while, and get rest and fresh strength for the battle of life. Come back to the fight soon. You are bound to succeed, because you have talent and ambition and courage. [Slight pause. He takes her hand.] Don’t cry. There is nothing you have lost or suffered yet quite worth a tear—
Enter Mrs. Parbury, R., Gunning, and Armitage.
—nothing quite worth a tear. [He is bending towards her.]
[Mrs. Parbury, who is slightly in advance of Armitage and Gunning, stops near Miss Woodward and Parbury, brought up short by seeing their intimate position. Parbury draws back from Miss Woodward, who remains upright and motionless. Gunning and Armitage, who exchange glances, remain L. Miss Woodward crosses L. to go.
Mrs. Parbury.
[In a low voice, speaking slowly, with deep emotion.] I suppose—I have still a right to ask—for some explanation?
Parbury.
Of what, dear?
Mrs. Parbury.