Plays: Lady Frederick, The Explorer, A Man of Honour

by W. Somerset Maugham

Alec.

It's easy enough to command one's face. I learnt to do that in Africa when often my life depended on my seeming to have no fear. But in my heart ... I never knew that I could feel so bitter. And yet, after all, it's only your good opinion that I care for.

Lucy.

I've trusted you implicitly from the first day I saw you.

Alec.

Thank God for that! To-day is the first time I've wanted to be assured that I was trusted. And yet I'm ashamed to want it.

Lucy.

Ah, don't be too hard upon yourself. You're so afraid of letting your tenderness appear.

Alec.

The only way to be strong is never to surrender to one's weakness. Strength is merely a habit like everything else. I want you to be strong, too. I want you never to doubt me whatever you may hear said.