She grew
frightened, I suppose. Not just physically frightened. How can a man
understand?
TREBELL. The fear of life ... do you think it was ... which is the beginning
of all evil?
FRANCES. A woman must choose what her interpretation of life is to be ... as
a man must too in his way ... as you and I have chosen, Henry.
TREBELL. [_Asking from real interest in her._] Was yours a deliberate choice
and do you never regret it?
FRANCES. [_Very simply and clearly._] Perhaps one does nothing quite
deliberately and for a definite reason. My state has its compensations ...
if one doesn't value them too highly. I've travelled in thought over all
this question. You mustn't blame a woman for wishing not to bear children.
But ... well, if one doesn't like the fruit one mustn't cultivate the
flower. And I suppose that saying condemns poor Amy ... condemned her to
death ... [_Then her face hardens as she concentrates her meaning._] and
brands most men as ... let's unsentimentally call it illogical, doesn't it?
_He takes the thrust in silence._
TREBELL. Did you notice the light in my window as you came in?
FRANCES. Yes ... in both as I got out of the cab. Do you want the curtains
drawn back?
TREBELL. Yes ... don't touch them.
_He has thrown himself into his chair by the fire. She lapses into
thought again._
FRANCES. Poor little woman.
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