BARONESS. Can you see now that all is over, for ever?
BARON. For ever! It was for ever that we once swore to love each other.
BARONESS. It is too bad that such oaths must be taken!
BARON. Why so? It is always a bond, such as it is.
BARONESS. I never could bear with bonds!
BARON. Do you think it would have been better for us not to bind ourselves?
BARONESS. Better for me, yes.
BARON. I wonder. For then you could not have bound me.
BARONESS. Nor you me.
BARON. And so the result would have been the same—as when you reduce fractions. Consequently: not the law's fault; not our own; not anybody else's. And yet we have to assume the responsibility! [The SHERIFF approaches] So! Now the verdict has been pronounced—Good-bye, Helen!