Margaret. (between her sobs) Go—go—leave me! Go to your Lady Claude! Who cares about me!
Everard. (humbly) Margaret!!!
Margaret. He has deceived me—I see it all now! The cottage in the country—the beautiful book—(wringing her hands) (rise and cross L.) Oh, can men be so wicked!
(Everard follows her L. C.)
(Feebly) It was so sweet—his giving up all—for me! His being so helpless, and wanting me, so much! And now—oh, wretched girl that I am! (her sobs burst forth afresh, go up C. and sit, pushing Everard away)
Everard. (up R. C.) Margaret! Don't! I can't stand it!
Margaret. The wickedness of it! Oh, the wickedness!
Everard. But you loved him! You told me you loved him! When he proposed—
Margaret. It was such a surprise—and I was so flattered! But love! How could I love—an old man!
Everard. (more and more bewildered, sits up C. on her R.) Margaret!