Part 24

ANNYS. Of course, this is an exceptional case.

GEOFFREY. It’s an epitome of the whole question. You are trying to take my job away from me. To the neglect of your own.

ANNYS. (After another moment’s silence.) Haven’t I always tried to do my duty?

GEOFFREY. I have thought so.

ANNYS. Oh, my dear, we mustn’t quarrel. You will win this election. I want you to win it. Next time we must fight side by side again.

GEOFFREY. Don’t you see? Fighting you means fighting the whole movement. (He indicates the posters pinned to the walls.) That sort of thing.

ANNYS. (After a brief inspection.) Not that way. (Shaking her head.) It would break my heart for you to turn against us. Win because you are the better man. (Smiling.) I want you to be the better man.

GEOFFREY. I would rather be your husband.

ANNYS. (Smiling.) Isn’t that the same thing?

GEOFFREY. No. I want a wife.

ANNYS. What precisely do you mean by “wife”?

GEOFFREY. It’s an old-established word.

(MRS. CHINN has entered to complete the tea arrangements. She is arranging the table.)

MRS. CHINN. There’s a deputation downstairs, sir, just come for you.

GEOFFREY. What are they?

MRS. CHINN. It’s one of those societies for the reform of something. They said you were expecting them.

SIGSBY. (Breaking away from the group by the window.) Quite right. (Looks at his watch.) Five o’clock, I’ll bring them up.

GEOFFREY. Happen to know what it is they want to reform?

SIGSBY. (By door.) Laws relating to the physical relationship between the sexes, I think.

GEOFFREY. Oh, only that!

SIGSBY. Something of the sort.

(He goes out. MRS. CHINN also by the other door.)

GEOFFREY. (Rising.) Will you pour out?

ANNYS. (She has been thinking. She comes back to the present.) We shan’t be in your way?

GEOFFREY. Oh, no. It will make it easier to get rid of them.

(ANNYS changes her chair. The others gather round. The service and drinking of tea proceeds in the usual course.)

(To ELIZABETH.) You’ll take some tea?

ELIZABETH. Thank you.