his survival.

ROGER

On the contrary. It only proves it.

MARGARET

No, it doesn't. I've been thinking, too ... about saving people from
themselves, and all that. You say it's the law of life, and we can't go
beyond life.

ROGER

No, we can't. I still say it.

MARGARET

Then what about your mother? What about all women who--

ROGER

About mother?

MARGARET

Yes. Wasn't her love a part of life? And didn't she keep on loving him in
spite of everything? Is that love blind and foolish--something for your
old evolution to get rid of?

ROGER

I never thought of it. No, of course we don't want to get rid of
_that_--but even so, she didn't save him.

MARGARET

She didn't know about it until lately--thanks to you. If she had known
sooner--and anyhow, you don't know--Of course, she couldn't have saved him
directly. But indirectly ... through another woman--

ROGER

Through another woman?

MARGARET

I mean, supposing there was another woman who loved him--one who could be
to him all he needed, who would understand, and who was all right. One he
could marry.

ROGER

Yes, but--

MARGARET

And supposing this other woman had heard things about Arthur, and was
terribly hurt, and Arthur knew she was, and that's why he kept away; but
your mother talked with her for a long while, and made her understand.
Even sent for _that_ woman--you know. And then this woman, the right one,
did understand, and was ready to marry Arthur....

ROGER

Margaret, are you crying? Are you crying, Margaret? _Margaret, was it
you?_

THE TELEGRAM

_Perron, a stout, middle-aged figure, is seated in front of his
watchmaker's establishment near the Place St. Sulpice. The awning sags,
and the shop wears an air of sober discouragement. Whatever expression the
years have left Perron's round face capable of is concentrated upon the
changing scenes cinematographed to his mind's eye by some strong and
unusual emotion. Alexandre, a tall, stooped man, with a flowing black tie,
bows in passing with old-fashioned punctiliousness to Perron, who
apparently is unaware of his presence. Suddenly Perron starts, rubs his
eyes, and glares about._

PERRON

Alexandre! Alexandre!

ALEXANDRE

Good day, my friend. You seem distraught.

PERRON

Distraught! It was the strangest thing! But sit here with me. Do. I have
something to tell you.

ALEXANDRE

I regret exceedingly, but a stupid engagement.... Later, perhaps--

PE