Oberville. And you get everything you want. At least you used to.
Isabel. Let us talk of your surprise.
Oberville. It’s to be yours, you know. (A pause. He speaks gravely.) I find that I’ve never got over having lost you.
Isabel (also gravely). And is that a surprise—to you too?
Oberville. Honestly—yes. I thought I’d crammed my life full. I didn’t know there was a cranny left anywhere. At first, you know, I stuffed in everything I could lay my hands on—there was such a big void to fill. And after all I haven’t filled it. I felt that the moment I saw you. (A pause.) I’m talking stupidly.
Isabel. It would be odious if you were eloquent.
Oberville. What do you mean?
Isabel. That’s a question you never used to ask me.
Oberville. Be merciful. Remember how little practise I’ve had lately.
Isabel. In what?