Yes, Boxer: the truth is, I dont want you enough to make the
very unreasonable sacrifices required by marriage. And yet that
is exactly why I ought to be married. Just because I have the
qualities my country wants most I shall go barren to my grave;
whilst the women who have neither the strength to resist marriage
nor the intelligence to understand its infinite dishonor will
make the England of the future. [She rises and walks towards the
study].
THE GENERAL [as she is about to pass him] Well, I shall not ask
you again, Lesbia.
LESBIA. Thank you, Boxer. [She passes on to the study door].
MRS GEORGE. Youre quite done with him, are you?
LESBIA. As far as marriage is concerned, yes. The field is clear
for you, Mrs George. [She goes into the study].
The General buries his face in his hands. Mrs George comes round
the table to him.
MRS GEORGE [sympathetically] She's a nice woman, that. And a
sort of beauty about her too, different from anyone else.
THE GENERAL [overwhelmed] Oh Mrs Collins, thank you, thank you a
thousand times. [He rises effusively]. You have thawed the long-
frozen springs [he kisses her hand]. Forgive me; and thank you:
bless you--[he again takes refuge in the garden, choked with
emotion].
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