sarah. It's a lie that they met . . . those two men?
mr. tetgeen. It may be.
sarah. It must be.
mr. tetgeen. I have Sir Charles's word.
Now he takes from his pocket some notes, putting on his spectacles to read them.
sarah. What's this . . . a written lecture?
mr. tetgeen. We propose . . . first: that the present complete severance of conjugal relations shall continue. Secondly: that Lady Cottesham shall be at liberty to remove from South Audley Street and Ringham Castle all personal and private effects, excepting those family jewels which have merely been considered her property. Thirdly: Lady Cottesham shall undertake, formally and in writing not to molest—a legal term—Sir Charles Cottesham. [Her handkerchief has dropped, here he picks it up and restores it to her.] Allow me, my lady.
sarah. I thank you.
mr. tetgeen. [Continuing.] Fourthly: Lady Cottesham shall undertake . . . etc. . . . not to inhabit or frequent the city and towns of London, Brighthelmstone, Bath, The Tunbridge Wells, and York. Fifthly: Sir Charles Cottesham will, in acknowledgement of the maintenance of this agreement, allow Lady C. the sum of two hundred and fifty pounds per annum, which sum he considers sufficient for the upkeep of a small genteel establishment; use of the house known as Pater House, situate some seventeen miles from the Manor of Barton-le-Street, Yorkshire; coals from the mine adjoining; and from the home farm, milk, butter and eggs. [Then he finds a further note.] Lady Cottesham is not to play cards.