Norah.

But it’s not too late, is it? I don’t know what I do that irritates you. I can see how competent you are, and I admire you so much. I know how splendid you’ve been with Eddie, and how you’ve stuck to him through thick and thin. You’ve done everything for him.

Gertie.

[Breaking in violently.] Oh, don’t go on patronising me. I shall go crazy.

Norah.

[Astounded.] Patronising you?

Gertie.

You talk to me as if I was a naughty child. You might be a school teacher.

Norah.

It seems perfectly hopeless.