GEORGE. [Looking from one to the other] At all events, I won't—I won't see a woman who once—[CLARE makes a sudden effacing movement with her hands] I won't see her go to certain ruin without lifting a finger.
CLARE. That is noble.
GEORGE. [With intensity] I don't know that you deserve anything of me. But on my honour, as a gentleman, I came here this morning for your sake, to warn you of what you're doing. [He turns suddenly on MALISE] And I tell this precious friend of yours plainly what I think of him, and that I'm not going to play into his hands.
[MALISE, without stirring from the wall, looks at CLARE, and his
lips move.]
CLARE. [Shakes her head at him—then to GEORGE] Will you go, please?
GEORGE. I will go when you do.
MALISE. A man of the world should know better than that.
GEORGE. Are you coming?
MALISE. That is inconceivable.
GEORGE. I'm not speaking to you, sir.