Lucy. Going out, Ned?
Alma. Only to meet Sir Humphrey.
Ned. I shan’t be twenty minutes. You don’t mind?
Lucy. Oh, no.
Ned. Come along, Alma! (Exit through window; off, R.)
Alma. See you again presently. (Exit through window; off, R.)
Lucy. (following them; then back to R.C.) See you again! When shall I see the last of you? “Mrs. Blake,” “Alma” morning, noon, and night. (sits on chair, R.) Oh, what a wicked girl I am! how selfish! how ill-natured! No wonder Ned is tired of me. No wonder he likes other company. It’s not his fault—it’s mine. I’ll write and tell him so. (rises; crosses to table, L., sits) I’ll sit down in his chair—steal some of his paper—and write with his pen! What’s this—on the blotting pad? “Alma—dearest Alma.” This is what he was writing—that was so important. “Dearest Alma!” That’s why he wouldn’t let me look at it. Here is the letter—a half written letter. “Willow Bank, Surbiton. My own dearest Alma.” (starts up) I won’t read it. (retreating) I’ve no right. I daren’t. (pause) I have a right! I will! (darts forward and reads resolutely; sits) “My own dearest Alma,—At last I have a moment to myself, to scribble a hasty answer to your note. Of course I will be there. I will make some excuse to get away. Oh, why have I to make excuses? Why have I a wife? She is a mere child, for whom I had a passing fancy. Fool that I was, I thought that it would last for ever. Nothing can now remove the barrier between us. With my own hand I have destroyed my happiness.” (drops the sheet; turns; presses her hands against her temples; then tears off her wedding ring and flings it from her) I will remove the barrier between them. I will leave his house! (clasping her hands) Oh, Ned, my husband—he’s not mine, he’s hers! I have no husband! Oh, Ned, Ned! come back to me! don’t leave me desolate! (staggers, and is about to fall. Re-enter Tom, dressed, through window, just in time to catch her in his arms)
Tom. (holding her) Mrs. Chetwynd! Lucy!
Re-enter Servant, R.
Serv. Dr. and Mrs. Dozey. (seeing Lucy, runs to her assistance)