ot two things to say to that.
First, that Pamela was not engaged to you, and was perfectly free to
choose between us. Secondly, that you never told me, and I hadn't the
slightest idea, that you were the least bit fond of her. Indeed, I don't
believe you realized it yourself at that time.

BOB (rather shamefaced). I've realized it since.

GERALD. Yes, and you've taken Pamela back since. I think if I were you
I would keep her out of it. (BOB looks away and GERALD goes on) Now we
come to the general charge, which seems to be (very deliberately) that
I'm better than you at games, that I've got better manners than you,
that I'm cleverer than you--in fact, that I'm superior to you in
every outward way, and am only inferior to you in--well, in the moral
qualities. (Quietly) Bob, what are these moral qualities in which I
am so deficient and you so endowed? You judge me by the qualities I am
supposed to have shown to you; now what have you shown to _me_?
Have _you_ been generous, have _you_ been friendly, have _you_ been
sympathetic? No; you've just told me that for fifteen years you've hated
me and been jealous of me. Things have been rotten for you, I admit;
have you ever tried to make the best of them? You've had disadvantages
to fight against; have you ever fought against them? Never! You've
turned every trouble into a grievance, and hoarded it up. I said just
now I was sick of you. I am--utterly. You said just now you didn't want
my pity. You haven't got it; you've only got my contempt.... (He turns
away, and then suddenly turns back, and, holding out his hand to BOB,
says utterly unexpectedly) And now, damn you! will you shake hands?

BOB (incoherent with surprise). What do you--I--you didn't--(GERALD'S
hand is still held out, and he is smiling.) Oh, Jerry! (He takes the
hand.)

GERALD. That's all right. Good-bye, Bob, and good luck.

BOB (bewildered). Good-bye. (He tuns round and goes towards the door.
Half-way there, he looks over his shoulder and says awkwardly) Had
rather a rotten time in prison. (GERALD nods. At the door BOB says)
Pamela and I--

[With rather a forced smile, GERALD nods again, and BOB goes out.]

(Left alone, GERALD stands looking into the fire and thinking. He tries
sitting down to see if that will make thinking any pleasanter; then he
tries standing up again. He goes to the door in front of the staircase
and opens it to see if there is anybody there; then he goes to the
windows at the back a