Teddie. [In a whisper.] Elizabeth.
Elizabeth. I can’t face it. It’s asking too much of me. Let’s say good-bye to one another, Teddie. It’s the only thing to do. And have pity on me. I’m giving up all my hope of happiness.
[He goes up to her and looks into her eyes.
Teddie. But I wasn’t offering you happiness. I don’t think my sort of love tends to happiness. I’m jealous. I’m not a very easy man to get on with. I’m often out of temper and irritable. I should be fed to the teeth with you sometimes, and so would you be with me. I daresay we’d fight like cat and dog, and sometimes we’d hate each other. Often you’d be wretched and bored stiff and lonely, and often you’d be frightfully homesick, and then you’d regret all you’d lost. Stupid women would be rude to you because we’d run away together. And some of them would cut you. I don’t offer you peace and quietness. I offer you unrest and anxiety. I don’t offer you happiness. I offer you love.
Elizabeth. [Stretching out her arms.] You hateful creature, I absolutely adore you!
[He throws his arms round her and kisses her passionately on the lips.
Lady Kitty. Of course the moment he said he’d give her a black eye I knew it was finished.
Porteous. [Good-humouredly.] You are a fool, Kitty.
Lady Kitty. I know I am, but I can’t help it.
Teddie. Let’s make a bolt for it now.