e merest trifle, but it is something.
And I've written to the agents in town about setting
aside half my pay.

{Kate.} _(looking up)_ What is the meaning of
that?

{Eric.} For you, Kate. I've no thought but for
you, dear, and the little heart which is to beat against
yours.

{Kate.} _(starts up--rises)_ Oh, Eric, unless you
wish to make me mad, you mustn't be kind to me, I
can't bear it. _(advancing C. firmly)_ Why, Eric,
do you think I'd let you pinch and struggle for me!
_(they meet C.)_

{Eric.} _(hotly)_ Why, Kate, you wouldn't live in
a fashion that doesn't become my wife!

_(He stops short--they look at each other, then turn
away.)_

{Kate.} _(sits again on sofa--under her breath)_
Oh, Eric, what made you say that?

{Eric.} It slipped from me--I didn't meant to say
it. Oh, it comes so naturally, _(goes up to L., of L.
window)_

{Kate.} It doesn't matter; it's all through wrangling
about miserable money, _(goes to R., of L. window)_

_(The lights are getting duller, the faint glow of the
setting sun is seen outside the windows.)_

Look! there's the sun going down; we mustn't stay
here longer. _(She comes closer to him, looking up
into his face. They stand with their hands behind
them.)_ There's time only for one last word.

{Eric.} I'm listening, _(coming down R.)_

{Kate.} _(tearfully)_ It's this. You may--of
course--write to me--to the Post Office at Bale, for
the present. Not to make it a tax upon you. But
when you've nothing better or more cheerful to do--
oh, write to me then!

{Eric.} Oh, Kate! _(He moves down R., towards
her, she goes back a pace to avoid him)_

{Kate.} _(leans against chair)_ No, no, I'm not
going to cry. _(smiling)_ A man is always so frightened
that a woman is going to cry. And, Eric, promise me,
dear, never to gamble, nor bet--only very little.
Will you promise?

{Eric.} Yes, I promise!

{Kate.} _(both centre)_ Don't listen to stories at
the mess table about officers' wives--don't sit up too
late--don't drink too much wine.

{Eric.} There's no chance of that, _(walks toward
settee L.)_

{Kate.} Ah, dear, you haven't been in trouble till
now. And lastly, always go to church and be a good
fellow.

{Er