RICHARD.
(gaily). Upon my life, Mrs. Anderson, I don’t know. I’ve been asking myself that question ever since; and I can find no manner of reason for acting as I did.
JUDITH.
You know you did it for his sake, believing he was a more worthy man than yourself.
RICHARD.
(laughing). Oho! No: that’s a very pretty reason, I must say; but I’m not so modest as that. No: it wasn’t for his sake.
JUDITH.
(after a pause, during which she looks shamefacedly at him, blushing painfully). Was it for my sake?
RICHARD.
(gallantly). Well, you had a hand in it. It must have been a little for your sake. You let them take me, at all events.
JUDITH.
Oh, do you think I have not been telling myself that all night? Your death will be at my door. (Impulsively, she gives him her hand, and adds, with intense earnestness) If I could save you as you saved him, I would do it, no matter how cruel the death was.
RICHARD.
(holding her hand and smiling, but keeping her almost at arm’s length). I am very sure I shouldn’t let you.
JUDITH.
Don’t you see that I can save you?
RICHARD.
How? By changing clothes with me, eh?
JUDITH.
(disengaging her hand to touch his lips with it). Don’t (meaning “Don’t jest”). No: by telling the Court who you really are.