[After a short pause.] Who was the other? The woman you had with you—there at the table?

[A little reluctantly.] She? That was my—my wife.

[Nods slowly.] Indeed. That is well, Arnold. Some one, then, who does not concern me—

[Nods.] No, of course not—

THE LADY. —one whom you have taken to you after my lifetime.

[Suddenly looking hard at her.] After your—? What do you mean by that, Irene?

[Without answering.] And the child? I hear the child is prospering too. Our child survives me—and has come to honour and glory.

[Smiles as at a far-off recollection.] Our child? Yes, we called it so—then.

In my lifetime, yes.

[Trying to take a lighter tone.] Yes, Irene.—I can assure you "our child" has become famous all the wide world over. I suppose you have read about it.