Margaret. Clement ...! (Tries to restrain him.)
Clement. If you please ... [Exit.]
Margaret (alone). Clement ...! What does this mean! He's leaving me? Oh, what shall I do?—Clement!—Can he mean that all is over ...? No—it's impossible! Clement! I must follow him ... (Looks about for her hat. The bell rings.) Ah ...he's coming back! He was only trying to frighten me ... Oh, my Clement! (Goes toward door. Enter Gilbert. )
Gilbert (to maid, who has opened door for him). I told you I was sure she was at home. Good morning, Margaret.
Margaret (taken aback). You ...?
Gilbert. Yes, I—Amandus Gilbert.
Margaret. I ... I'm so surprised ...
Gilbert. That is evident. But there's no reason why you should be. I am only passing through—I'm on my way to Italy. And really I've come to see you just for the purpose of bringing you a copy of my latest work in remembrance of our old friendship. (Hands her the book. As she does not take it at once, he lays it on the table.)
Margaret. You're very kind ... thank you.
Gilbert. Oh, not at all. You have a certain right to this book. So this is where you live ...