ROBERT.
Put it so. Well, it made a great sensation at the time. A mysterious disappearance. My name was involved too, as best man, let us say, on that famous occasion. Of course, they think I acted from a mistaken sense of friendship. Well, all that is known. [With some hesitation.] But what happened afterwards is not known.
RICHARD.
No?
ROBERT.
Of course, it is your affair, Richard. However, you are not so young now as you were then. The expression is quite in the style of my leading articles, isn’t it?
RICHARD.
Do you, or do you not, want me to give the lie to my past life?
ROBERT.
I am thinking of your future life—here. I understand your pride and your sense of liberty. I understand their point of view also. However, there is a way out; it is simply this. Refrain from contradicting any rumours you may hear concerning what happened... or did not happen after you went away. Leave the rest to me.
RICHARD.
You will set these rumours afloat?
ROBERT.
I will. God help me.
RICHARD.
[Observing him.] For the sake of social conventions?
ROBERT.
For the sake of something else too—our friendship, our lifelong friendship.
RICHARD.
Thanks.