frances. [Subtly.] I have never made the mistake of marrying. She grew frightened, I suppose. Not just physically frightened. How can a man understand?
trebell. The fear of life . . do you think it was . . which is the beginning of all evil?
frances. A woman must choose what her interpretation of life is to be . . as a man must too in his way . . as you and I have chosen, Henry.
trebell. [Asking from real interest in her.] Was yours a deliberate choice and do you never regret it?
frances. [Very simply and clearly.] Perhaps one does nothing quite deliberately and for a definite reason. My state has its compensations . . if one doesn't value them too highly. I've travelled in thought over all this question. You mustn't blame a woman for wishing not to bear children. But . . well, if one doesn't like the fruit one mustn't cultivate the flower. And I suppose that saying condemns poor Amy . . condemned her to death . . [Then her face hardens as she concentrates her meaning.] and brands most men as . . let's unsentimentally call it illogical, doesn't it?
He takes the thrust in silence.
trebell. Did you notice the light in my window as you came in?
frances. Yes . . in both as I got out of the cab. Do you want the curtains drawn back?
trebell. Yes . . don't touch them.
He has thrown himself into his chair by the fire. She lapses into thought again.