(She holds out her hand to him) Thank you,
son.
STRANGER (not seeing it, and speaking in a hard voice). I'd better go.
LADY PEMBURY. Mayn't I help you?
STRANGER. I'd better go.
LADY PEMBURY (distressed). You can't go like this. I don't even know
your name, nor where you live.
STRANGER. Don't be afraid--you shan't hear from _me_ again.
LADY PEMBURY (gently). Not even when you've got back to where you were
two years ago? Mayn't I then?
STRANGER (looking at her, and then nodding slowly). Yes, you shall
then.
LADY PEMBURY. Thank you. I shall wait. I shall hope. I shall pray.
(She holds out her hand again) Good-bye!
STRANGER (shaking his head). Wait till you hear from me. (He goes to
the door, and then stops and comes slowly back. He says awkwardly)
Wish you'd do one thing for me?
LADY PEMBURY. Yes?
STRANGER. That fellow--what did you say his name was--Perkins?
LADY PEMBURY (surprised). The butler? Perkins--yes?
STRANGER. Would you give him a message from me?
LADY PEMBURY. Of course.
STRANGER (still awkwardly). Just to say--I'll _be_ there--at the
Mews--on Sunday afternoon. _He'll_ know. Tell him I'll be there. (He
squares his shoulders and walks out defiantly--ready to take the world
on again--beginning with PERKINS on Sunday afternoon)
(LADY PEMBURY stands watching him as he goes.
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