Landed Gentry: A Comedy in Four Acts

by W. Somerset Maugham

I was going to motor to Wells with Helen Vernon.

[As she speaks she tears the letter into little bits.

Claude.

Don’t leave me to-day, Grace. I want you so awfully badly.

Grace.

[Sinking with exhaustion into a chair.] No, I won’t leave you ... if you want me.

[Claude kneels down by her side.

Claude.

I always want you, Grace. You’re so much to me.... After all, nothing can really matter to me so long as I have you. It’s such a comfort to think that I can trust you. And you’ll never round on me. I’m awfully grateful for you, Grace.