George Winter.

Well?

Catherine.

Now that the election is over you can have no further use for me. I’ve carried out my part of the bargain scrupulously.

George Winter.

[Putting his hand in a dazed way to his head.] I don’t know what you’re talking about.

Catherine.

I understand that I’ve condoned all your offences towards me, and I’m helpless now to do anything. So you need have no fear that I shall interfere with you in any way. [He turns round and looks at her. He takes in at last what she is saying.] But there’s no reason that I should expose myself any longer to a humiliation that I found unbearable. I’ve come to tell you that now I’ve done all you exacted I’m going to leave you, this time for good. I’m starting early to-morrow morning for the Continent with my friend Barbara Herbert, and I shall not return. You can devise whatever explanation you think necessary, and you may be quite sure I shan’t contradict it. I shall be gone by the time you get up. You will find in my room all the trinkets you’ve given me. I wish to take nothing with me that I have received from you.

George Winter.

[With clenched teeth.] Are you leaving your clothes?