Clare.
(Loftily.) Our bond is purely of the spirit.
Bill.
Eh?
Clare.
(Unconsciously imitating Michael’s manner.) He is a noble and high-souled gentleman. His life is one long self-sacrifice for the woman whom he married. She loves him, and for her sake he fought against his love for me. But that love mastered him: he confessed it. I told him it was returned, though I know now it was the pity and friendship I felt for him which I mistook for love. We promised to be true to each other. I cannot—I dare not break my promise. My love is all he has to make life bearable....
(Bill is about to speak when Lady Patricia’s voice, singing in the distance, brings him up with a jerk. He listens a moment. When he speaks his tone is one of dismay.)
Bill.
Great—Scott!
Clare.