Celia. I mean that all of those hundreds and hundreds of letters that I was fool enough to write to an imaginary hero are all here in this box. And now they're going into the furnace with my own hands. (Starts for door, swinging the box in her right hand.)
Smith. (Following her and playfully taking the box from her) Won't you give them to me instead?
Celia. (Turns back and they both hold on to box) Certainly not. It's an additional insult that you should even suggest such a thing. Do you suppose I ever want to see you or hear your name again--a man who has dared to hold me up to ridicule as you have done--to wickedly and cruelly amuse himself at my expense---- (Smith gives a low laugh.) Oh, don't you suppose I know how funny I must have seemed to you? Ha! Ha! (Imitates Smith's laugh.) Silly idiot of a girl, tired of having no notice taken of her, tired of being kept on the shelf, just dying to show people how attractive she could be--only give her the chance. And to think because of that I made such an everlasting fool of myself before a man, a man who is capable of----
Smith. Capable of telling you a lie, Miss Faraday? (Puts box of letters on table.)
(READY Motor Horn.)
Celia. Well, you did. You know you did. You did everything you could think of to deceive me.
Smith. I can't deny it.
Celia. And do you believe that a man or a woman could ever bring himself or herself to respect or have anything to do with a man or a woman who--who deceived?
Smith. I do believe it. And judging by my own case, I may say I know it.
Celia. I don't think it is very generous of you to allude to me in that manner.