Carteret [with a bitter laugh]. Worthy of me! by letting me believe every day of our lives something that was false, false; something that had never been. Oh, I can't bear it.
Rachel [suddenly with a wild impulse]. Oh, don't let Mary know!
Carteret. Don't speak her name. I can't endure it yet.
Rachel. Don't let her suffer! Oh, don't let suffering come to her, let me have it all.
Carteret. You have it all? Is that what you think? Suffering is round us all everywhere like the darkness.
[He sits on sofa, covering his face with his hands.]
Rachel [looking round her as if terrified]. The darkness! Will, I'm so frightened—you have been my shelter, my rock, my love. Help me now! Help me! I cannot do without you!
[She stands looking at him, waiting for him to speak.
Carteret [without looking at her]. You need not be so frightened. I will always shelter you—you—and your child….
[Rachel stands for a moment as if transfixed, then speaks].