Start: Miss L: Well, have they primed you? Have you got your lesson (with a little broken laugh) by heart at last?

Stonor (looking at her from immeasurable distance). I am not sure I understand you. (Pause.) However unpropitious your mood may be—I shall discharge my errand. (Pause. Her silence irritates him.) I have promised to offer you what I believe is called "amends."

Miss L. (quickly). You've come to realise, then—after all these years—that you owed me something?

Stonor (on the brink of protest, checks himself). I am not here to deny it.

Miss L. (fiercely). Pay, then—pay.

Stonor (a moment's dread as he looks at her, his lips set. Then stonily). I have promised that, if you exact it, I will.

Miss L. Ah! If I insist you'll "make it all good"! (Quite low.) Then don't