Grace.

I?... If I weren’t what you.... Oh, it’s too much to ask anyone. Claude, I beseech you to give way.

[He shakes his head. She falls back in despair, realising that there is no way to move him.

Grace.

Oh, what a punishment!

[The sound of a gong is heard. Claude looks at his watch.

Claude.

By Jove, I had no idea it was so late. There’s the dressing gong. You must hurry up.

Grace.

[Looking at him vaguely.] What is it?