Jack. Traitor! This is what you call loyalty to a master who gave you his confidence, was ready to make a friend of you, and would make you independent of everything and everybody! In return you play the low-down sneak. You betray me and try to wreck my happiness and my life. But you’ve failed! Get out, you filthy viper——
Simpson (holding out his hands imploringly). I did it for your sake, sir. I thought——
Jack (furiously). Get out, or by——
Belson (stepping forward and holding up a hand to stop him). The man did quite right——
Jack. He didn’t. He promised to stand by me, and he’s sold me. But I won’t come back. You can’t make me. I refuse. I’m my own master. I’ve sent in my resignation and they can take it or be damned to them! (Turns towards Ometsu who nestles up to him. He turns to Belson.) Mr. Belson, is there any need to prolong——
Belson. Will you introduce me?
Jack (hesitates, and then presents Ometsu). Madamoiselle Ometsu San—Lieut.-Commander Belson. (They bow stiffly.)
Belson (gravely). Mam’zelle, would you permit me to have a few minutes with Mr. Maitland alone?
Jack (quickly). No—no—I refuse. Don’t go, sweetheart! I’m very sorry, sir, but I can’t go. I have finished with the Navy——
Belson (to Ometsu). Mam’zelle, do you know that Mr. Maitland has been ten years in the British Navy? (She bows.) Do you know that if he resigns his commission he will never be able to get back? (She remains silent.) Do you know—pardon me—but do you know that if you marry him he will not be able to go back to England?