FLAMM
And I don't want you to! It isn't a question of that! But you sent for her yourself.—You can't change so completely in a moment as to forget all compassion and sympathy. What did you say to me a while ago? And if the lass goes to the devil … you know I'm not such a scoundrel that I'd care to drag out my life any longer. It's one thing or the other—don't forget that!
MRS. FLAMM
Well, Christie … you men are not worth it, to be sure. An' yet, in the end, what is a body to do?—The heart bleeds! 'Tis our own fault. Why does a woman deceive herself again an' again, when she's old enough an' sensible enough to know better! An' don't deceive yourself about this thing either, Christie…. I'm willin'! I can do it! I'll talk to her! Not for your sake, but because it's right. But don't imagine that I can make whole what you've broken.—You men are like children in that respect!
The MAID comes back.
THE MAID
She don't want to wait no more!
MRS. FLAMM
Send her in!
The MAID withdraws again.