MRS. BRADMERE. I must get you to see! My father was a clergyman; I'm married to one; I've two sons in the Church. I know what I'm talking about. It's a priest's business to guide the people's lives.
STRANGWAY. [Very low] But not mine! No more!
MRS. BRADMERE. [Looking at him shrewdly] There's something very queer about you to-night. You ought to see doctor.
STRANGWAY. [A smile awning and going on his lips] If I am not better soon——
MRS. BRADMERE. I know it must be terrible to feel that everybody——
[A convulsive shiver passes over STRANGWAY, and he shrinks against the door]
But come! Live it down!
[With anger growing at his silence]
Live it down, man! You can't desert your post—and let these villagers do what they like with us? Do you realize that you're letting a woman, who has treated you abominably;—yes, abominably —go scot-free, to live comfortably with another man? What an example!
STRANGWAY. Will you, please, not speak of that!