clasps and
kisses him. He does not return the kiss, but remains rigid in her arms,
so that she draws away and looks at him] It's hurt you awfully, I know.

DANCY. Look here, Mabel! Apart from that muck--this is a ghastly
tame-cat sort of life. Let's cut it and get out to Nairobi. I can scare
up the money for that.

MABEL. [Aghast] But how can we? Everybody would say--

RONNY. Let them! We shan't be here.

MABEL. I couldn't bear people to think--

DANCY. I don't care a damn what people think monkeys and cats. I never
could stand their rotten menagerie. Besides, what does it matter how I
act; if I bring an action and get damages--if I pound him to a jelly--
it's all no good! I can't prove it. There'll be plenty of people
unconvinced.

MABEL. But they'll find the real thief.

DANCY. [With a queer little smile] Will staying here help them to do
that?

MABEL. [In a sort of agony] Oh! I couldn't--it looks like running
away. We must stay and fight it!

DANCY. Suppose I didn't get a verdict--you never can tell.

MABEL. But you must--I was there all the time, with the door open.

DANCY. Was it?

MABEL. I'm almost sure.

DANCY. Yes. But you're my wife.

MABEL. [Bewildered] Ronny, I don't understand--suppose I'd been accused
of stealing pearls!

DANCY. [Wincing] I can't.

MABEL. But I might--just as easily. What would you think of me if I ran
away from it?

DANCY. I see. [A pause] All right! You shall have a run for your
money. I'll go and see old Twisden.

MABEL. Let me come! [DANCY shakes his head] Why not? I can't be happy
a moment unless I'm fighting this.

DANCY puts out his hand suddenly and grips hers.

DANCY. You are a little brick!

MABEL. [Pressing his hand to her breast and looking into his face]
Do you know what Margaret called you?

RONNY. No.

MABEL. A desperate character.

DANCY. Ha! I'm not a tame cat, any more than she.

The bell rings. MABEL goes out to the door and her voice is heard
saying coldly.

MABEL. Will you wait a minute, please? Returning. It's De Levis--to
see you. [In a low voice] Let me see him alone first. Just for a
minute! Do!

DANCY. [After a moment's silence] Go ahead! He goes out into the
bedroom.

MABEL. [Going to the door, Right] Come in.

DE LEVIS comes in, and stands embarrassed.

Yes?

DE LEVIS. [With a slight bow] Your husband, Mrs Dancy?

MABEL. He is in.