MRS. H. If you denied everything you've said this evening and
declared it was all in' fun (a long pause), I'd trust you. Not
otherwise. All I ask is, don't tell her my name. Please don't. A man
might forget: a woman never would. (Looks up table and sees
hostess beginning to collect eyes.) So it's all ended, through no
fault of mine-Haven't I behaved beautifully? I've accepted your
dismissal, and you managed it as cruelly as you could, and I have
made you respect my sex, haven't I? (Arranging gloves and fan.) I
only pray that she'll know you some day as I know you now. I
wouldn't be you then, for I think even your conceit will be hurt. I
hope she'll pay you back the humiliation you've brought on me. I
hope- No. I don't! I can't give you up! I must have something to
look forward to or I shall go crazy. When it's all over, come back
to me, come back to me, and you'll find that you're my Pip still!

CAPT. G. (Very clearly.) False move, and you pay for it. It's a girl!

MRS. H. (Rising.) Then it was true! They said-but I wouldn't insult
you by asking. A girl! I was a girl not very long ago. Be good to
her, Pip. I daresay she believes in' you.

Goes out with an uncertain smile. He watches her through the
door, and settles into a chair as the men redistribute themselves.

CAPT. G. Now, if there is any Power who looks after this world,
will He kindly tell me what I have done? (Reaching out for the
claret, and half aloud.) What have I done?

WITH ANY AMAZEMENT