trebell. [With comfortable strength.] My dear girl, this needs your pluck. [And he sits by her.] All we have to do is to prevent it being found out.

amy. Yes . . the scandal would smash you, wouldn't it?

trebell. There isn't going to be any scandal.

amy. No . . if we're careful. You'll tell me what to do, won't you? Oh, it's a relief to be able to talk about it.

trebell. For one thing, you must take care of yourself and stop worrying.

It soothes her to feel that he is concerned; but it is not enough to be soothed.

amy. Yes, I wouldn't like to have been the means of smashing you, Henry . . especially as you don't care for me.

trebell. I intend to care for you.

amy. Love me, I mean. I wish you did . . a little; then perhaps I shouldn't feel so degraded.

trebell. [A shade impatiently, a shade contemptuously.] I can say I love you if that'll make things easier.