“Yes,” said Wilfred. “That’s the point I was trying to make. That’s how easy it is. . . .”
There was a silence. Then Frances Mary said in an uncertain voice: “You had better go.”
Wilfred stared. “I won’t go for any such reason as that!” he said hotly. “Are you raising the banner of conventional morality! You . . . !”
She said: “Suppose I told you that I . . . !”
“Rubbish!” cried Wilfred. “It would be better for you if you had!”
“Your ideas are loathsome!” cried Frances Mary with unexpected loudness.
“This is what I get for trying to be honest!”
“Honest!”
Simultaneously it struck them what exhibitions they were making of themselves. They laughed in bitter vexation, and fell silent. They avoided each other’s eyes.
“I apologize for shouting at you,” mumbled Wilfred.