JENNY.
It's not true. It's not true.
JAMES.
You can't get round me, Jenny. I suppose you 'aven't been crying to-day?
JENNY.
[_Flushing._] I had a headache.
JAMES.
I know those sort of headaches.
JENNY.
We had a little tiff this morning. That's why he went out.... Oh, don't say he doesn't care for me. I couldn't live.
JAMES.
[_With a laugh._] Go along with you. Basil Kent ain't the only pebble on the beach.
JENNY.
[_Vehemently._] Oh, Jimmie, Jimmie, sometimes I don't know which way to turn, I'm that unhappy. If the baby had only lived I might have kept my husband--I might have made him love me. [_The sound is heard of a door being closed._] There's Basil.
JAMES.
Good luck to 'im.
JENNY.
Oh, Jimmie, take care not to say anything to make him angry.
JAMES.
I'd just like to give 'im a piece of my mind.
JENNY.
Oh, Jimmie, don't. It was my fault that we quarrelled this morning. I wanted to make him angry, and I nagged at him. Don't let him see that I've said anything to you. I'll see--I'll see if I can't send you a pound to-morrow, Jimmie.
JAMES.
[_Defiantly._] He'd better not start patronising me, because I won't put up with it. I'm a gentleman, and I'm every bit as good as he is--if not better.
[BASIL _comes in_, _notices_ JAMES, _but does not speak_.
JAMES.
Afternoon, Basil.
BASIL.
[_Indifferently._] You here again?
JAMES.
Looks like it, don't it.
BASIL.
[_Quietly._] I'm afraid it does.
JAMES.
[_Becoming more aggressive as the conversation proceeds._] Are you? I suppose I can come and see my own sister?
BASIL.
I suppose it's inevitable.
JAMES.
Well?
BASIL.
[_Smiling._] Only I should be excessively grateful if you'd time your coming with my--with my going. And _vice versa_.
JAMES.
That means you want me to get out, I reckon.
BASIL.
You show unusual perspicacity, dear James.
JAMES.
And who are you with your long words, I should like to know?
BASIL.
[_Blandly._] I? A person of not the least importance.
JAMES.