george. Certainly.

abud. Thank God, Sir!

george. I will if I please.

ann. And she's doing well.

abud. There's a messenger come post.

george. To be sure . . it might have been bad news.

And slowly he crosses the garden towards the house.

abud. [Suddenly, beyond all patience.] Run . . damn you!

george makes one supreme effort to maintain his dignity, but fails utterly. He gasps out . . .

george. Yes, I will. [And runs off as hard as he can.]