Part 4
[_She falls in a heap at his feet. He carries her back to the sofa. He deposits her there and rushes to get some more brandy. When his back is turned she lifts her head sharply and looks at him, then lets it drop attractively against the side of the sofa. He returns and ministers the brandy. After a slight pause she opens her eyes and sits up and finishes the brandy._]
EVELYN
Be careful. Don’t spill it on your dress.
CAROL
I’m awfully sorry to be so stupid.
EVELYN
I didn’t mean to make you ill.
CAROL
[_Meekly_]
Please may I go home now?
EVELYN
You’d better wait a moment until you feel stronger. I won’t say any more—I promise.
CAROL
My head aches.
EVELYN
Would you like some aspirin? I think I’ve got some somewhere.
CAROL
No, thanks.
EVELYN
It wasn’t out of any personal spite, you know—
CAROL
It doesn’t matter—it—
[_She bursts into tears._]
EVELYN
I say, don’t cry—please.
CAROL
I can’t help it.
[_She cries a little more._]
EVELYN
Please! Please!
CAROL
Leave me alone. I’ll be all right in a minute.
EVELYN
I had no intention of losing my temper. I apologize.
CAROL
[_With a fresh burst of tears_]
It’s all so—so horrible!
EVELYN
Carol—please, please don’t!
CAROL
[_Sobbing bitterly_]
I’d no idea—anyone could think of me like that.
EVELYN
I was only trying to show you, for Edward’s sake—
CAROL
Don’t—don’t say any more. You promised.
EVELYN
All right, but you see I—
CAROL
I understand why you did it. It’s not that I’m crying for. It’s—it’s— O God!
EVELYN
[_Appealingly_]
Carol—
CAROL
I’m crying because I’m so bitterly ashamed—
EVELYN
[_Gently_]
Carol—
CAROL
I don’t want you to despise me utterly—
EVELYN
It’s all right. Don’t think any more about it.
CAROL
The things you’ve said to me are right—I have been shallow and cheap; but there’s a reason that you don’t know.
EVELYN
Reason?
CAROL
You’ve heard Edward’s side of the story and you’ve mixed yourself up in our lives—more than ever now. It’s only fair for you to hear my side, too—
EVELYN
Now look here, Carol. Don’t let’s say any more about it at all.
CAROL
Do you mean that?
EVELYN
Yes.
CAROL
[_Rising_]
Very well—I suppose I deserve it. Good night.
[_She walks sadly toward the door._]
EVELYN
Carol—
CAROL
[_Turning_]
Yes?
EVELYN
I’ll hear your side if you want me to, but what’s the use of going on any further?
CAROL
Only that unless I explain now I can never look you in the face again.
EVELYN
Carol, don’t be so absurd.
CAROL
There are circumstances that justify me more than you realize.
EVELYN
Come back, then, and sit down.
CAROL
[_Wearily returning_]
I feel so horribly tired.
[_She comes back to the sofa and leans against it, looking at him. Her face is pale and she looks extremely sad and quite lovely._]
EVELYN
Do sit down.
CAROL
No, but I want you to. Sit here where you needn’t look at me.
EVELYN
Very well.
[_He sits down on the sofa and stares into the fire. CAROL stands just behind him with her hands resting on his shoulders. Both their faces are half turned to the audience. She speaks very slowly._]
CAROL
You’ve been pretty brutal to me to-night and some of the hard things you said I deserve, but not all of them. I’m selfish and occasionally cheap and rather vain—and I have been unfaithful to my husband, but not before he had been unfaithful to me—
EVELYN
[_Starting_]
What!
CAROL
[_Pressing him down_]
Keep still, please. I’m telling you the truth—
EVELYN
You mean that Edward—
CAROL
I mean exactly what I say. I was completely faithful to Edward until eighteen months ago, when I discovered that he was having an affair with Zoe St. Merryn—
EVELYN
Good God!
[_He moves again, but the holds him firmly._]
CAROL
That broke me up, rather.
EVELYN
I don’t believe it.
CAROL
I can’t help that; it’s true, all the same.
EVELYN
How did you discover it? What proof have you?
CAROL
I suspected for a little while and said nothing until I could bear it no longer; then I asked Edward and he admitted it—
EVELYN
[_Twisting round_]
I _must_ look at you.
CAROL
[_Firmly, looking into his eyes_]
He admitted it.
EVELYN
It’s incredible.
CAROL
Why? Edward’s awfully weak, and Zoe—[_She laughs sadly._] Will you turn around again now, please. [_EVELYN does so and buries his face in his hands._] Don’t be upset about it, Evie—it’s between Edward and me, really, and nobody knew—until now. I made him swear never to tell a soul, otherwise he’d have told you ages ago—he always tells you everything. I’ve behaved rather badly since then, I know, but something went dead, inside me and—well, it doesn’t seem to matter much, does it?
EVELYN
[_After a pause_]
May I get up now and get a drink?
CAROL
There’s nothing more to say, anyhow.
[_EVELYN goes over and pours himself out a drink. He turns suddenly._]
EVELYN
You wouldn’t lie to me, would you?
CAROL
[_With dignity_]
Even I have a little decency left.
[_She turns to go again._]
EVELYN
Carol!
CAROL
[_Turning_]
Yes.
EVELYN
What can I say to you?
CAROL
Nothing.
EVELYN
I’m desperately sorry.
CAROL
All right.
EVELYN
I’ve been an abject, blundering fool. It wasn’t my business, anyhow.
CAROL
[_With a wan smile_]
Your motives were sound.
EVELYN
Can you forgive me?
CAROL
Yes, of course.
EVELYN
I mean really forgive me?
CAROL
[_Holding out her hand._]
Completely.
EVELYN
You’re very generous.
[_He takes it._]
CAROL
There’s one more thing I want to clear up.
EVELYN
What?
CAROL
I came here to-night for one reason only.
EVELYN
Yes?
CAROL
I love you!
EVELYN
[_Dropping her hand_]
Carol!
CAROL
It’s all right—don’t be afraid. I’m going now—but I didn’t want you to think me too cheap—that’s all.
EVELYN
I’m utterly bewildered.
CAROL
It hasn’t been very easy for either of us, has it?
EVELYN
You can’t mean what you say.
CAROL
You know I do—you’ve known it all along, subconsciously.
EVELYN
Carol—I’m dreadfully—horribly embarrassed.
CAROL
Poor old Evie.
EVELYN
I don’t know what to do.
CAROL
We’ll both laugh over to-night one day, won’t we?
EVELYN
Will we?
CAROL
[_With beautifully forced gayety_]
Yes—you see.
EVELYN
You are an extraordinary woman.
CAROL
Just rather silly, I’m afraid. Good night.
EVELYN
I’m going to see you home.
CAROL
No, please. I’d rather go alone. Please, I mean it, honestly.
EVELYN
But—
CAROL
It’s only just round the corner.
EVELYN
I can’t let you go alone.
CAROL
[_With gentle firmness_]
You must—please.
EVELYN
[_Looking down_]
All right.
CAROL
We’re friends, aren’t we?
EVELYN
[_Still looking down_]
Yes.
CAROL
In spite of everything?
EVELYN
Yes.
CAROL
Because of everything?
EVELYN
Oh, Carol!
CAROL
Good night, my dear. [_She comes to him and kisses him gently on the mouth. Suddenly he crushes her to him. After a moment she disentangles herself._] No, no! I didn’t mean it, really. I’m not going to be cheap any more. Stand quite still where you are, not looking. I don’t want you to move until I’ve gone.
[_She goes out quietly, leaving him standing stock-still. After a moment the front door slams. EVELYN turns in the direction of the sound._]
EVELYN
[_Emotionally_]
Carol—O God!
[_He goes over to the sofa and flings himself down on it, with his face buried in his hands. CAROL comes softly in again. Her cloak is over her arm. She gives one look in his direction and then goes noiselessly into his bedroom, closing the door after her._]
CURTAIN
“THIS WAS A MAN”
Act Three
ACT III
_The scene is the same as Act I. It is about twelve o’clock in the morning. One night has elapsed since Act II._
[_When the curtain rises the studio is empty. There is the sound of the front-door bell ringing with some violence. BERRY enters, R., and crosses over L. He exits and reappears in a moment, ushering in EVELYN. EVELYN is looking extremely white and strained._]
BERRY
Can I offer you anything to drink, sir?
EVELYN
No, thanks.
BERRY
The master’s sure to be in soon, sir.
EVELYN
All right, thanks.
BERRY
He’s only taking a walk in the Park.
EVELYN
I think I will have a drink, after all.
BERRY
Very good, sir. Whisky and soda?
EVELYN
Yes, please.
[_BERRY goes out. EVELYN proceeds to pace up and down the room a little. BERRY returns with a whisky and soda._]
EVELYN
Oh, thanks.
[_He takes it._]
BERRY
Would you like the papers, sir, or have you seen them already?
EVELYN
I’ve seen them, thanks.
BERRY
Shall I tell Mrs. Churt that you are here, sir?
EVELYN
No—no. Please don’t disturb her.
BERRY
Very good, sir.
[_He goes out again. EVELYN once more proceeds to pace up and down with the whisky and soda in his hand. He is obviously extremely agitated. After a moment CAROL enters from R. She looks fresh and charming. She gives a slight start on seeing EVELYN._]
CAROL
Evie!
EVELYN
[_Jumping—he turns_]
I’ve come to see Edward.
CAROL
What’s the matter?
EVELYN
I’ve come to see Edward.
CAROL
[_With faint apprehension_]
I know—you just said so. Aren’t you going to say good morning?
EVELYN
Good morning.
CAROL
[_Going over to him_]
No more than that?
EVELYN
No—no more.
[_He turns away._]
CAROL
[_Biting her lip_]
I see.
EVELYN
I want to see him alone.
CAROL
[_Putting her hand on his arm_]
Evie, what’s wrong?
EVELYN
You can seriously ask me that?
CAROL
Why are you behaving like this?
EVELYN
[_Turning away_]
You’re hopeless.
CAROL
You’re not going to do anything foolish, are you?
EVELYN
I’m going to do the only thing possible.
CAROL
[_Swinging him round_]
Evie!
EVELYN
Leave me alone.
CAROL
But listen—
EVELYN
[_Wrenching himself free from her_]
Don’t touch me, please.
CAROL
[_Pleading_]
Evie—please—why are you being so horrid?
EVELYN
I don’t want to look at you—or see you again ever!
CAROL
Why—why—what have I done?
EVELYN
[_Sinking into a chair with his face in his hands_]
Leave me alone. Leave me alone.
CAROL
You don’t love me at all, then?
EVELYN
For God’s sake stop!
CAROL
You don’t—you don’t—
EVELYN
Shut up! Shut up!
CAROL
You coward!
[_She goes over to the window._]
EVELYN
Please go away. You’ll only make everything much worse.
CAROL
Why have you come here this morning?
EVELYN
To tell Edward about last night.
CAROL
What will you tell him?
EVELYN
The truth.
CAROL
You’re insane.
EVELYN
I was—but I’m not any more.
CAROL
[_Coming quickly back to him_]
You can’t mean this.
EVELYN
I do mean it.
CAROL
But why! Why!! Why!!!
EVELYN
I don’t expect you to understand.
CAROL
Evie, listen. Be sensible for a moment.
EVELYN
It’s no use going on like that. I’ve made up my mind.
CAROL
Evie—
EVELYN
[_Rising_]
Go away! Go away!
CAROL
[_Following him_]
I love you.
EVELYN
Be quiet.
CAROL
I love you—I love you. Tell what you like—shout it from the housetops. I love you!
EVELYN
[_Catching hold of her_]
Shut up—you must. Some one will hear.
CAROL
I don’t care.
EVELYN
You don’t love me—you never did for a moment—it was all a trick.
CAROL
[_Outraged_]
Evie!
EVELYN
I can see it all now—I can see it all.
CAROL
You’re talking nonsense.
EVELYN
For God’s sake go away from me.
CAROL
[_Helplessly_]
I don’t know what to do.
EVELYN
Leave me alone. I’ve got to tell Edward the truth.
CAROL
In Heaven’s name, why?
EVELYN
Can’t you see why?
CAROL
No. What good will it do?
EVELYN
I’ve betrayed him.
CAROL
That’s no reason for you to betray me as well.
EVELYN
He trusted me—completely.
CAROL
Well, why not let him go on trusting you?
EVELYN
Because I’m unworthy of it forever.
CAROL
And what about me?
EVELYN
It was your fault.
CAROL
How chivalrous.
EVELYN
You lied to me.
CAROL
[_Firmly_]
I did _not_ lie to you.
EVELYN
You said you came last night because you loved me.
CAROL
So I did!
EVELYN
You came out of curiosity and stayed out of revenge.
CAROL
What a fool you are!
EVELYN
You determined to get even with me.
CAROL
Evie!
EVELYN
It’s true—it’s true—you know it is.
CAROL
Why have you built up this ridiculous story in your mind?
EVELYN
It’s true.
CAROL
[_With great firmness_]
It’s nothing of the sort, and if you calm yourself and think seriously for a moment, you’ll realize the complete absurdity of it. You must be sensible. Do you hear—you _must_ be sensible. You’re on the verge of wrecking everything out of sheer hysteria.
EVELYN
Everything is wrecked already. I’ve got nothing left—no honor, no decency—
CAROL
[_Quietly_]
I gave myself to you last night, Evie—
EVELYN
Don’t—don’t—
CAROL
I gave myself to you completely and for one reason only—I loved you. I love you now.
EVELYN
Carol, please—
CAROL
If you tell Edward—I shall go away and never see either of you again.
EVELYN
I can’t help it. I—
CAROL
You _can_ help it. What you’re contemplating is utterly without reason. If you’re trying to vindicate your honor, you can’t seriously achieve it by betraying mine. We’ve both behaved abominably, I admit. We’ve both been weak and uncontrolled and given way completely and we shall suffer for it accordingly, you needn’t doubt that for a minute. We’re in a terrible mess, but we’re in it together and together we must remain—
EVELYN
I shall never be able to look Edward in the face again.
CAROL
Will you be able to face him any better after you’ve told him?
EVELYN
Yes.
CAROL
Why?
EVELYN
Because I shall have done the only decent thing left to me.
CAROL
You’ll only succeed in making him suffer as well as yourself and me. Can’t you see the uselessness of it?
EVELYN
I can’t see him and talk to him with this shame between us.
CAROL
You must—so must I. It’s the just penalty for what we’ve done. You said just now you never wanted to see me again. Well, I promise you you never shall—alone. You at least can go away. I can’t—I’ve got to stay and get through the next few months as best I can—
[_There comes a ring at the front-door bell._]
EVELYN
[_Pacing the room_]
O God! what am I to do?
CAROL
[_Quickly_]
Nothing—nothing yet, anyhow. Think sensibly and quietly—everything depends on your keeping calm—
[_BERRY enters and crosses over L. and exits._]
EVELYN
Is that Edward?
CAROL
Yes, I expect so. He’s always forgetting his key.
EVELYN
[_Terribly undecided_]
Carol, I—
CAROL
Promise you’ll do nothing yet.
EVELYN
I can’t—I—
CAROL
[_Whispering violently_]
Promise me—wait a little—promise me. Will you promise me?
EVELYN
[_Helplessly_]
Yes.
[_BERRY re-enters._]
BERRY
[_Announcing_]
Mrs. St. Merryn.
[_ZOE enters briskly._]
ZOE
Good morning, Carol. I haven’t seen you for months. How are you?
CAROL
[_As they kiss_]
Splendid. I heard you were back.
ZOE
Hallo, Evie!
EVELYN
[_Coldly_]
Good morning.
ZOE
I gather that Edward is expected?
CAROL
Yes, he’ll be back at any minute.
EVELYN
Good-by.
[_He goes out abruptly._]
ZOE
[_Surprised_]
That was one of the most sudden exits I’ve ever seen.
CAROL
[_Carelessly_]
I think Evie’s upset about something.
ZOE
I didn’t think he was capable of it.
CAROL
[_Conventionally_]
Are you glad to be back?
ZOE
Delighted. London’s looking so pretty with all the roads up.
CAROL
[_Absently_]
Are they? I hadn’t noticed.
ZOE
I don’t see how you could fail to unless you travel exclusively in the underground.
CAROL
Where are you staying?
ZOE
Claridge’s.
CAROL
Oh!
ZOE
It’s so beautifully austere.
CAROL
What?
ZOE
[_Patiently_]
I said it was so beautifully austere.
CAROL
Oh yes, it is.
ZOE
You’re looking awfully well.
CAROL
I am, frightfully well.
ZOE
Don’t you think I’m looking frightfully well?
CAROL
Yes, you certainly are. Traveling obviously agrees with you.
ZOE
It’s so comforting to know that we both look so awfully well. Can I have a cigarette?
CAROL
Yes, of course. I’m so sorry. Here—
[_She hands her a box open._]
ZOE
Thank you, dear. There aren’t any in this box, but it doesn’t matter.
CAROL
How annoying! Wait a minute. [_She takes another box off a table, left._] Here—
ZOE
[_Taking one_]
You seem a little distrait this morning, if I may say so.
CAROL
I’ve got rather a headache.
ZOE
I’m so sorry. You don’t look very well.
CAROL
I think, if you’ll forgive me, I’ll go and take some aspirin.
ZOE
Of course. I should lie down until lunch if I were you.
CAROL
Perhaps I will. Edward’s certain to be in soon.
ZOE
I’ll be perfectly happy waiting.
CAROL
You must come and dine one night.
ZOE
I’d adore to.
CAROL
Good-by for the present, dear.
[_She kisses her._]
ZOE
Good-by. I’m sorry you’re so seedy. I’m afraid you’ve been overdoing it lately.
CAROL
[_Irritatedly_]
Overdoing what?
ZOE
[_Vaguely_]
Oh, everything.
CAROL
No, I haven’t.
ZOE
I’m so glad.
[_CAROL goes out. ZOE wanders round the room, smiling to herself, examining various portraits, etc. After a moment EDWARD enters._]
EDWARD
Zoe! How long have you been here?
ZOE
Only a few minutes.
EDWARD
I’ve been out in the Park.
ZOE
I didn’t know it was still there.
EDWARD
I’m afraid you’re finding the old town sadly changed.
ZOE
I’m sure it’s much more hygienic now.
EDWARD
Have you seen Carol?
ZOE
Yes. She’s just gone to bed.
EDWARD
Gone to bed?
ZOE
She said she had a headache.
EDWARD
How do you think she’s looking?
ZOE
[_Laughing_]
Awfully well.
EDWARD
What are you laughing at?
ZOE
Carol always makes me laugh.
EDWARD
Why?
ZOE
She’s so consistent.
EDWARD
Are you lunching with me?
ZOE
If you like. I’ve got to go to Sloane Street first and look at Mary Phillip’s house. She wants to let it to me.
EDWARD
Pick me up here on the way back.
ZOE
I really came to ask you to dine to-night and go to a play.
EDWARD
I’d love to. What do you want to see?
ZOE
A nice clean play, please, Edward.
EDWARD
Splendid. We shan’t have any trouble getting seats.
ZOE
I’m so old-fashioned—I like love stories without the slightest suggestion of sex.
EDWARD
You ought to be a critic.
ZOE
You’re an awfully nice person to come back to!
EDWARD
[_Smiling_]
Am I?
ZOE
Yes. One picks up the threads exactly where they were dropped.
EDWARD
They were never dropped.
ZOE
Carol’s an awful fool.
EDWARD
Why?
ZOE
She could hold you if she wanted to.
EDWARD
Don’t be tiresome, Zoe.
ZOE
What are you going to do about it?
EDWARD
About what?
ZOE
Do you really want me to be explicit?
EDWARD
No. I know perfectly well what you mean.
ZOE
You’re wasting time.
EDWARD
Not at all. I’m working hard.
ZOE
You said that yesterday and it was no more convincing then than it is now.
EDWARD
It’s true.
ZOE
Perhaps, but rather beside the point.
EDWARD
What is the point?
ZOE
Your happiness.
EDWARD
What beautiful thoughts you have, Zoe.
ZOE
Don’t be flippant.
EDWARD
Flippancy alleviates my boredom with the whole subject.
ZOE
Are you sure you’re not confusing boredom with lack of moral courage?
EDWARD
Possibly.
ZOE
Well, don’t.
EDWARD
I refuse to be dominated, Zoe—even by you!
ZOE
[_Smiling_]
That’s right, dear.
EDWARD
And don’t laugh at me.
ZOE
I always have. I fail to see why I should stop now.
EDWARD
I resent it bitterly.
ZOE
Dear Edward.
EDWARD
What do you expect me to do?
ZOE
Deliver an ultimatum.
EDWARD
That would be stepping out of my character.
ZOE
Nonsense!
EDWARD
I am essentially a weak-minded man.
ZOE
Nothing of the sort—you’re a lazy idealist.
EDWARD
That sounds delightful.
ZOE
So it is in theory; in practice it’s sterility personified.
EDWARD
You’re terribly didactic.
ZOE
I’m trying to rouse you.
EDWARD
Why?
ZOE
Because you’re discontented and unhappy.
EDWARD
I never said so.
ZOE
You don’t need to—it’s written all over you.
EDWARD
You think I’d be happier if I bashed about making scenes and delivering ultimatums?
ZOE
Certainly—you at least might achieve something.
EDWARD
What, for instance?
ZOE
Freedom!
EDWARD
That’s a myth.
ZOE
Oh no, it isn’t.
EDWARD
In this case it’s impossible.
ZOE
Why?
EDWARD
[_Turning away_]
Oh, don’t let’s discuss it any more.
ZOE
You _are_ annoying, Edward.
EDWARD
Evie went on like that for hours yesterday.
ZOE
Evie?
EDWARD
Yes. He seemed to advocate violence as being the best method.
ZOE
He would.
EDWARD
He even offered to teach Carol a lesson.
ZOE
What sort of lesson?
EDWARD
He didn’t explain.
ZOE
Poor Evie.
EDWARD
You needn’t despise him so utterly. He’s a good sort.
ZOE
He’s the quintessence of masculine complacency.
EDWARD
I’m sure it’s a great comfort to him. I wish I was.
ZOE
Evie will get into trouble one of these days. He’s too worldly.
EDWARD
If I were free, Zoe, would you marry me?
ZOE
Edward!
EDWARD
I suddenly thought of it.
ZOE
[_Laughing_]
This is terribly sudden.
EDWARD
Don’t be silly.
ZOE
You must give me time to think.
EDWARD
Do shut up and be serious.
ZOE
I have a vague feeling that your proposal is a little previous.
EDWARD
It wasn’t a proposal—just an idea.
ZOE
Not exactly an original one. We discussed it all ages ago.
EDWARD
And whose fault was it that it never came off?
ZOE
[_Promptly_]
Yours.
EDWARD
Zoe, how can you? It was entirely yours.
ZOE
Nonsense! I was dead set on it.
EDWARD
You refused me and rushed off to Africa.
ZOE
You can’t call Algiers Africa.
EDWARD
It is, all the same.
ZOE
If you’d loved me enough, you’d have followed me.
EDWARD
I was waiting for you to come back.
ZOE
Let’s stop talking about it—it’s rather painful.
EDWARD
We weren’t in love, really, anyhow.
ZOE
Weren’t we?
EDWARD
I don’t know.
ZOE
It’s all very difficult.
EDWARD
Yes.
ZOE
I think I shall go away again soon.
EDWARD
Oh, Zoe, please don’t!
ZOE
It’s going to be awkward if I stay.
EDWARD
No, it isn’t.
ZOE
We’re both on rather dangerous ground.
EDWARD
I don’t see why.
ZOE
Yes, you do, perfectly.
EDWARD
I do not.
ZOE
If I stay, we shall probably fall in love properly—we’re both at a perilous age.
EDWARD
What if we do?
ZOE
It would be too horrible, with all this Carol business going on and everything.
EDWARD
You’re crossing your bridges before you come to them.
ZOE
I shall go, all the same.
EDWARD
That is rank cowardice.
ZOE
No, it isn’t; it’s sound sense.
EDWARD
It will be beastly for me.
ZOE
Not so beastly as if I stayed, really—in the long run.
EDWARD
What could happen?
ZOE
Oh, the usual thing, I suppose—we should have an affair and spoil everything.
EDWARD
I don’t see why.
ZOE
You’re being very obstinate this morning.
EDWARD
If I were in love with you at all, it would be in a very nice, restrained way.
ZOE
We should both tire of that very quickly.
EDWARD
Zoe, how can you be so unpleasant?
ZOE
I’m only facing facts.
EDWARD
We’ve been together a good deal in the past.
ZOE
I know.
EDWARD
And everything was above reproach.
ZOE
Entirely.
EDWARD
Well, why can’t we go on like that?
ZOE
Because even if we do, people will say we don’t.
EDWARD
What does that matter?
ZOE
It matters a lot. I’ve had enough squalor in the past few years to last me for life.
EDWARD
Yes, but I don’t see—
ZOE
Also I have a strange aversion to coming between man and wife.
EDWARD
Oh, shut up, Zoe.
ZOE
It’s true. I suffer from a pre-war conscience.
EDWARD
There’s no question of that, really.
ZOE