She had forgiven you, of course?
JULIAN
Forgiven...? It was more or less than that. Only once did we talk of the past—she without reproach, and I without regret: as if the whole story had happened to somebody else. And after that never again. I might have thought some miracle had wiped those earlier days out of her memory. In fact, as far as I am concerned, there seemed to be no real connection between that quiet matron and the creature I had once loved. And as for the youngster—well, you know—at first I didn't care more for him than I might have cared for any other pretty and gifted child.—Of course, ten years ago my life had a different aspect. I was still clinging to so many things which since then have slipped away from me. It was only in the course of time that I became more and more drawn to the house, until at last I began to feel at home there.
SALA
I hope you never took offense at my gradual discovery of the true state of affairs.
JULIAN
You, at any rate, didn't think me very sensible....
SALA
Why not? I too find that family life in itself is quite attractive. Only it ought, after all, to be experienced in one's own family.
JULIAN