whatever we may have to say.

MARCHBANKS (twisting himself round on him). Oh, I am not
forgetting myself: I am only (covering his face desperately with
his hands) full of horror. (Then, dropping his hands, and
thrusting his face forward fiercely at Morell, he goes on
threateningly.) You shall see whether this is a time for patience
and kindness. (Morell, firm as a rock, looks indulgently at him.)
Don't look at me in that self-complacent way. You think yourself
stronger than I am; but I shall stagger you if you have a heart
in your breast.

MORELL (powerfully confident). Stagger me, my boy. Out with it.

MARCHBANKS. First--

MORELL. First?

MARCHBANKS. I love your wife.

(Morell recoils, and, after staring at him for a moment in utter
amazement, bursts into uncontrollable laughter. Eugene is taken
aback, but not disconcerted; and he soon becomes indignant and
contemptuous.)

MORELL (sitting down to have his laugh out). Why, my dear child,
of course you do. Everybody loves her: they can't help it. I like
it. But (looking up whimsically at him) I say, Eugene: do you
think yours is a case to be talked about? You're under twenty:
she's over thirty. Doesn't it look rather too like a case of calf