Mrs. Tremaine.

(_comes over to the easel, Denham puts down brush and palette_) But this is splendid!

Denham.

(_taking pipe_) Better, isn't it? (_Crosses L, to table, and strikes a match._)

Mrs. Tremaine.

Oh _yes_! But how you _have_ flattered me! I shall be reduced to a proper humility when I look in the glass. (_Turns and glances at mirror, then again at picture._)

Denham.

Never mind the glass. That's how I see you.

Mrs. Tremaine.

(_crosses C and drops him a curtsey_) Thank you, sir. An uncynical compliment at last!

Denham.

(_bowing_) 'Tis but your due, madam, I protest. Come, sit down, and let us be lazy. (_Pushes armchair round for Mrs. Tremaine, takes chair from "throne" and sits near her._) We have worked very hard.

Do you ever go to the theatre?

Mrs. Tremaine.

Sometimes.

Denham.

Does it amuse you?

Mrs. Tremaine.

Oh yes! I like a good three act farce.

Denham.

So do I. But our serious plays are amusing in a deeper way--now that we have begun timidly to scratch the surface of things. I wonder, if you and I were put on the stage, what they would say of us?

Mrs. Tremaine.

But there is nothing to make a play about in _us_.

Denham.

They would certainly say there was "no situation," though perhaps--

Mrs. Tremaine.

What _is_ a situation?

Denham.

Oh, you know--something threadbare, the outraged husband driving his erring wife about the stage--all that sort of thing.

Mrs. Tremaine.

I love an outraged husband; they are so magnificently moral!

Denham.

Unfortunately I am on no such pinnacle. (_Rises._) I can only humbly ask you, when will you sit again?

Mrs. Tremaine.

Oh, now that you have painted that masterpiece, I must resign the privilege of being your model.

Denham.

That is unkind of you, Blanche. But why? (_Puts his pipe down._)

Mrs. Tremaine.

You can't go on painting _me_ for ever.

Denham.

I _shall_ go on painting you for ever. But you will surely give me an occasional sitting?

Mrs. Tremaine.

No; I must be stern. (_Rises and crosses C._) I must work seriously now.

Denham.

At least you'll come and see us? You'll come and sing the savageness out of this bear?

Mrs. Tremaine.

No; I must go back into the desert.

Denham.

Seriously?

Mrs. Tremaine. Yes.