MRS. HOLROYD
And have you never been in love?
BLACKMORE
I don't think so. I don't know.
MRS. HOLROYD
But you must know. I must go and shut that door that keeps clicking.
[She rises to go upstairs, making a clatter at the stair foot door. The noise rouses her husband. As she goes upstairs, he moves, makes coughing sounds, turns over, and then suddenly sits upright, gazing at Blackmore. The latter sits perfectly still on the sofa, his head dropped, hiding his face. His hands are clasped. They remain thus for a minute.
HOLROYD
Hello! (He stares fixedly) Hello! (His tone is undecided, as if he mistrusts himself) What are—who are ter? (Blackmore does not move; Holroyd stares blankly; he then turns and looks at the room) Well, I dunna know.