DIST. V. Then—­there is a cloud between us, after all.

CHAMBERLAIN.  No.  I see you clearly; I see myself clearly.  There’s no cloud about it; it’s all sharp, and clear, and hard—­hard as nails.  And I’ve been able to put it into words—­that now you understand.  Poor Randolph!  Do you remember how his tongue stumbled, and tripped him, the last time he spoke in the House?  And I saw you looking on, pitying him.  You’d got a kind side to you, for all your efficiency.  Men like you for that—­that charm...It’s been a great asset to you.  Parnell, how he tried all his life to make a speech and couldn’t.  But what he said didn’t matter—­there was the man!  What a force he might have been—­was!  What a Samson, when he pulled the whole Irish Party down—­got them all on top of him to pull with him.  What d’you think he was doing then?  Trying to give his Irish nation a soul!  It looked like pride, pique, mere wanton destruction; but it was a great idea.  And if ever they rise to it—­if ever the whole Irish nation puts its back to the wall as Parnell wanted it to do then—­shakes off dependence, alliance, conciliation, compromise, it may beat us yet!  They were afraid of defeat.  That’s why we won.  A cause or a nation that fears no defeat—­nor any number of them—­that’s what wins in the long run.  But does any such nation—­any such cause exist?  I’m not sure...I’m not really sure of anything now, only this:  that it’s better not to live too long after one has failed.  To go on living then—­is the worst failure of all.

(As be thus talks himself out, his auditor’s solicitous concern has continually increased; and now when, for the first time, the voice breaks with exhaustion and emotion, the other, half-rising from his seat, interposes with gentle but insistent urgency.)

DIST. V. My dear Chamberlain, you are overtaxing your strength; you are doing yourself harm.  You ought not to go on.  Stop, I do beg of you!

CHAMBERLAIN.  Stop?  Why stop?  What does it matter now?

(But even as he speaks, mind and will cease to contest the point where physical energy fails.  His manner changes, his voice becomes dull and listless of tone)

Oh, yes...yes.  You are quite right.  It’s time.  I’m under orders now.  Would you mind—­the bell?

(Then, as the other is about to rise, he perceives that the Nurse has already entered, and now stands, unobtrusive but firm, awaiting the moment to reassert her sway.)

Oh, it’s not necessary.  There’s the Nurse come again, to remind me that I mustn’t tire myself in tiring you.

(And so, under the presiding eye of professional attendance, the Visitor rises and advances to take his leave.)

Thank you—­for coming.  Thank you—­for hearing me so patiently...You always did that, even though it made no difference...I wonder—­shall I ever see you again?

DIST. V. You shall.  I promise.