JOHN [swelling]. That’s what was in my mind.
SYBIL [with noble confidence]. And he could have done it.
MAGGIE. Then we’ve come to something practical.
JOHN [exercising his imagination with powerful effect]. No, it wouldn’t be fair to you if I was to stay on now.
MAGGIE. Do you think I’ll let myself be considered when your career is at stake. A month will soon pass for me; I’ll have a lot of packing to do.
JOHN. It’s noble of you, but I don’t deserve it, and I can’t take it from you.
MAGGIE. Now’s the time, Lady Sybil, for you to have one of your inspiring ideas.
SYBIL [ever ready]. Yes, yes—but what?
[It is odd that they should both turn to MAGGIE at this moment.]
MAGGIE [who has already been saying it to herself]. What do you think of this: I can stay on here with my father and brothers; and you, John, can go away somewhere and devote yourself to your speech?