(GEORGE _rises and approaches her, about to expostulate_.)
I like this house. (_Crossing below_ GEORGE, _looking about the room to
below settee_ L.) It wants a little redecorating, but I do like it,
George... Yes, I shall be perfectly happy here! (_Sits on settee_.)
GEORGE. I see. You will continue to live down here--in spite of what you
said just now about the--the immorality of it.
OLIVIA (_surprised_). But what is there immoral in a widow living alone
in a big country house--with perhaps the niece of a dear friend of hers--
staying with her to keep her company.
GEORGE (_sarcastic_). Oh, and pray what shall I be doing when you've so
very kindly taken possession of my house for me?
OLIVIA. You! Oh, I can't _think_! Travelling, I expect.
GEORGE (_indignant and advancing to her_). Thank you! And suppose I
refuse to be turned out of my own house?
OLIVIA. Then, seeing that we can't both be in it, it looks as though
you'd have to turn me out. (_To herself_.) There must be legal ways of
doing these things. You'd have to consult your solicitor again.
GEORGE. Legal ways?
OLIVIA. Well, you couldn't just throw me out, could you? You'd have to
get an injunction against me--
(GEORGE, _very annoyed, turns away_.)
--or prosecute me for trespass--or something. Of course I shouldn't go if
I could help it, I like the house so much.... It would make an awfully
unusual case, wouldn't it? The papers would be full of it.
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