ALICE HEMINGWAY. Do you want to know?

NED. Yes.

ALICE HEMINGWAY. [Judiciously.] First, because I did not love you.
Second, because you did not love me. [She smiles at his protesting hand
and at the protesting expression on his face.] And third, because there
were just about twenty-seven other women at that time that you loved, or
thought you loved. That is why I married Jack. And that is why you lost
faith in the goodness of women. You have only yourself to blame.

NED. [Admiringly.] You talk so convincingly. I almost believe you as I
listen to you. And yet I know all the time that you are like all the
rest of your sex--faithless, unveracious, and . . .

[He glares at her, but does not proceed.]

ALICE HEMINGWAY. Go on. I'm not afraid.

NED. [With finality.] And immoral.

ALICE HEMINGWAY. Oh! You wretch!

NED. [Gloatingly.] That's right. Get angry. You may break the
furniture if you wish. I don't mind.

ALICE HEMINGWAY. [With sudden change of front, softly.] And how about
Loretta?

[NED gasps and remains silent.]