CAR. I must put you somewhere; you wouldn't be easy to explain away. (_she half-supports, half-carries him up and into scullery; when there she allows him to droop into a sitting position against the sink; she then shuts the scullery door_) Quite like old times! (_looks out of window--brings work-box down, goes up to door and listens._ MR. PILLENGER _enters_)
CAR. Certainly! (_crosses to chair_ R. _and sits, takes out pudding cloth and starts to hem it_)
PIL. I--er--explained to Miss Pillenger that I thought it advisable to return home early--as I was feeling somewhat indisposed.
CAR. (_looks up at him_) Then you would like to go to bed? I'll let Miss Pillenger in. (_looks at door_ L.)
PIL. That is not necessary, I gave her my latchkey. I fear I must admit my illness has no--er--tangible existence.
PIL. I trust I am not interrupting any--er--domestic occupation?
CAR. I have to hem some pudding cloths, but I can listen while I work. What do you want to say to me? (_she begins sewing_; PILLENGER _crosses to top of table, puts hat down; as he crosses_ COOK _looks at door_ L.)
PIL. I--er--find some difficulty in approaching the subject. It is one with which I have been hitherto--quite unfamiliar.
CAR. Perhaps if you sat down it might be easier.
PIL. Er--thank you. (_crosses to fire and stands with back to it_) The suggestion is very considerate. (_he makes several efforts to begin, but baulks himself_) During the few months you have been with us--you must have noticed that you had roused--in me--a strong feeling--(_she looks up at him_) of--er--of interest?
PIL. Exactly! (_moves to back of chair_ L.) You would not--care--perhaps, to give me a somewhat larger measure of your--er--confidence--touching the--er--the past.
CAR. (_stops work for a moment_) No; I think we'll leave the past alone.
PIL. I may possibly persuade you to be less reticent--when I have submitted my--er--my proposal to you.
PIL. Yes. After such reasonable hesitation as should precede the taking of any important step, I have decided to offer you an alternative to your present life, the nature of which you may have already guessed.
CAR. (_smiling back_) I suppose _you_ are the alternative?
PIL. (_moves to top of table near her_) Precisely. I ask you to be--er--to be my wife.