Pil. I—er—find some difficulty in approaching the subject. It is one with which I have been hitherto—quite unfamiliar.
Car. Perhaps if you sat down it might be easier.
Pil. Er—thank you. (crosses to fire and stands with back to it) The suggestion is very considerate. (he makes several efforts to begin, but baulks himself) During the few months you have been with us—you must have noticed that you had roused—in me—a strong feeling—(she looks up at him) of—er—of interest?
Car. I saw it—I didn't notice it.
Pil. Exactly! (moves to back of chair L.) You would not—care—perhaps, to give me a somewhat larger measure of your—er—confidence—touching the—er—the past.
Car. (stops work for a moment) No; I think we'll leave the past alone.
Pil. I may possibly persuade you to be less reticent—when I have submitted my—er—my proposal to you.
Car. Proposal? (resumes work)
Pil. Yes. After such reasonable hesitation as should precede the taking of any important step, I have decided to offer you an alternative to your present life, the nature of which you may have already guessed.