At the drop of their voices they become conscious of the silent house.
Amy O'Connell. Do you really think everyone has gone to bed?
Trebell. [Disregardful.] And what is it makes my pressing attentions endurable ... if one may ask?
Amy O'Connell. Some spiritual need or other, I suppose, which makes me risk unhappiness ... in fact, welcome it.
Trebell. [With great briskness.] Your present need is a good shaking.... I seriously mean that. You get to attach importance to these shades of emotion. A slight physical shock would settle them all. That's why I asked you to kiss me just now.
Amy O'Connell. You haven't very nice ideas, have you?
Trebell. There are three facts in life that call up emotion ... Birth, Death, and the Desire for Children. The niceties are shams.
Amy O'Connell. Then why do you want to kiss me?
Trebell. I don't ... seriously. But I shall in a minute just to finish the argument. Too much diplomacy always ends in a fight.
Amy O'Connell. And if I don't fight ... it'd be no fun for you, I suppose?