withdraw
all--

MISS FARREN. [_Carelessly._] Oh, that's all right--though thank you all
the same. And it really doesn't matter much. I was going to give notice
to-morrow anyway--

HARVEY. [_Starting violently._] What!

MISS FARREN. Well, I put it off as long as I could, Mr. Western, because
... But the fact is I'm going on the stage--musical comedy--

HARVEY. [_Breathless, staggering back._] You--are--going--

MISS FARREN. I've accepted an engagement--oh, I'm only to be a show-girl
at first--but they believe I'll do well. They've been wanting me some
time. And my _fiance_ has persuaded me.

HARVEY. [_Collapsing utterly, dropping into the chair by the fire._]
Your--

MISS FARREN. [_Gravely._] My _fiance_--yes. He's one of the comic men
there.

MRS. WESTERN. [_Who has been watching them both with an unmoved face._]
I'll write a cheque for your salary, Miss Farren.

[_She goes to the desk at back._

MISS FARREN. [_Coquettishly, to_ HARVEY.] I ought to have told you, I
know, Mr. Western. But it _was_ so dull here--and you've been most awfully
good to me. I can never be sufficiently grateful.

HARVEY. [_With difficulty, his face turned away._] Don't mention it. And I
hope you'll be happy.

MISS FARREN. [_Lightly._] Thank you. I mean to try!

[MRS. WESTERN _returns with a cheque which she hands to_ MISS
FARREN.

MRS. WESTERN. Here, Miss Farren.

MISS FARREN. [_Putting it into her bag._] Thank you so much. Good-bye.

MRS. WESTERN. If you should ever need a reference, don't be afraid to--

MISS FARREN. Oh, thanks, no more governessing for me. Good-bye!

[_She trips out, without another glance at_ HARVEY, _who sits
huddled by the fire._ MRS. WESTERN _moves slowly to the door. At
the threshold she pauses, turns, and looks at_ HARVEY.

MRS. WESTERN. I'll take care that the next governess--shall be quite as
pretty as this one, Harvey.

[_She opens the door and goes._ HARVEY _doesn't stir._

THE CURTAIN FALLS

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