is all very well two or three yards off, or on a ship, with
everybody looking on. Don't come any nearer.

GREGORY. This is a ghastly business. I want to go away; and I
can't.

MRS. JUNO. I think you ought to go [he makes an effort; and she
adds quickly] but if you try I shall grab you round the neck and
disgrace myself. I implore you to sit still and be nice.

GREGORY. I implore you to run away. I believe I can trust myself
to let you go for your own sake. But it will break my heart.

MRS. JUNO. I don't want to break your heart. I can't bear to
think of your sitting here alone. I can't bear to think of
sitting alone myself somewhere else. It's so senseless--so
ridiculous--when we might be so happy. I don't want to be wicked,
or coarse. But I like you very much; and I do want to be
affectionate and human.

GREGORY. I ought to draw a line.

MRS. JUNO. So you shall, dear. Tell me: do you really like me? I
don't mean LOVE me: you might love the housemaid--

GREGORY [vehemently]. No!

MRS. JUNO. Oh, yes you might; and what does that matter, anyhow?
Are you really fond of me? Are we friends--comrades? Would you be
sorry if I died?