STRANGER. When I look at you, I do believe. She's giving me her blessing! And I, who'm damned, have brought a blessing on her! How can I believe it? I, of all men! (He falls down by the table and weeps in his hands.)
LADY. He's weeping! Tears, rain from heaven, that can soften rocks, are falling on his stony heart.... He's weeping!
HOSTESS. He? Who has a heart of gold! Who's been so open handed and so good to my children!
LADY. You hear what she says!
HOSTESS. There's only one thing about him I don't understand; but I don't want to say anything unpleasant....
LADY. What is it?
HOSTESS. Only a trifle; and yet...
LADY. Well?
HOSTESS. He didn't like my dogs.
LADY. I can't blame him for not caring for an impure beast. I hate everything animal, in myself and others. I don't hate animals on that account, for I hate nothing that's created....