o'connell. I am Justin O'Connell.

trebell. I guess that.

o'connell. There's a dead woman between us, Mr. Trebell.

A tremor sweeps over trebell; then he speaks simply.

trebell. I wish she had not died.

o'connell. I am called upon by your friends to save you from the consequences of her death. What have you to say about that?

trebell. I have been wondering what sort of expression the last of your care for her would find . . but not much. My wonder is at the power over me that has been given to something I despised.

Only o'connell grasps his meaning. But he, stirred for the first time and to his very depths, drives it home.

o'connell. Yes . . If I wanted revenge I have it. She was a worthless woman. First my life and now yours! Dead because she was afraid to bear your child, isn't she?

trebell. [In agony.] I'd have helped that if I could.