Jean. "Intriguing to get hold of?" She hasn't mentioned you!
Stonor. What! Then how in the name of Heaven do you know—that she wants—what you ask?
Jean (firmly). There can't be any doubt about that.
Stonor (with immense relief). You absurd, ridiculous child! Then all this is just your own unaided invention. Well—I could thank God! (Falls into the nearest chair and passes his handkerchief over his face.)
Jean (perplexed, uneasy). For what are you thanking God?
Stonor (trying to think out his plan of action). Suppose—(I'm not going to risk it)—but suppose—(He looks up and at the sight of Jean's face a new tenderness comes into his own. He rises suddenly.) Whether I deserve to suffer or not—it's quite certain you don't. Don't cry, dear one. It never was the real thing. I had to wait till I knew you before I understood.
Jean (lifts her eyes brimming). Oh, is that true? (Checks her movement towards him.) Loving you has made things clear to me I didn't dream of before. If I could think that because of me you were able to do this——
Stonor (seizes her by the shoulders and says hoarsely). Look here! Do you seriously ask me to give up the girl I love—to go and offer to marry a woman that even to think of——
Jean. You cared for her once. You'll care about her again. She is beautiful and brilliant—everything. I've heard she could win any man she set herself to——