Basil
Jenny, what are you saying?
Jenny
Oh, I don't want any of your Society shams. I've come here to speak out.
Basil
[To Hilda.] Would you mind leaving us alone?
Jenny
[Also to Hilda, passionately.] No, I want to speak to you. You're trying to get my husband from me. He's my husband.
Basil
Be quiet, Jenny. Are you mad? Mrs. Murray, for God's sake leave us. She'll insult you.
Jenny
You think of her, you don't think of me. You don't care how much I suffer.
Basil
[Taking her arm.] Come away, Jenny.
Jenny
[Shaking him off.] I won't. You're afraid to let me see her.
Hilda
[Pale and trembling, conscience-stricken.] Let her speak.
Jenny
[Going up to Hilda threateningly.] You're stealing my husband from me. Oh, you… [She is at a loss for words violent enough.
Hilda
I don't want to make you unhappy, Mrs. Kent.
Jenny
You can't get round me with polite words. I'm sick of all that. I want to speak straight.
Basil
[To Hilda.] Please go. You can do no good.
Jenny
[Still more vehemently.] You're stealing my husband from me. You're a wicked woman.
Hilda
[Almost in a whisper.] If you like I'll promise you never to see your husband again.
Jenny
[With angry scorn.] Much good your promises will do me. I wouldn't believe a word you said. I know what Society ladies are. We know all about them in the City.
Basil
[To Hilda.] You must leave us alone.
[He opens the door, and she goes out, looking away from him.
Jenny
[Savagely.] She's frightened of me. She daren't stand up to me.
Basil
[As Hilda goes.] I'm so sorry.
Jenny
You're sorry for her.
Basil
[Turning on her.] Yes, I am. What d'you mean by coming here and behaving like this?
Jenny
I've caught you at last… You liar! You dirty liar! You told me you were going to Chancery Lane.
Basil
I have been to Chancery Lane.
Jenny
Oh, I know you have – for five minutes. It was only an excuse. You might just as well have come here straight.
Basil